
Tunisian residents in remote areas are grappling with severe natural gas shortages as an unexpected cold front sweeps across the country. Long lines have formed outside small gas depots, particularly in Beja, as vendors face increasing pressure to meet growing demand.
In rural regions, residents have gone days without gas, essential for heating and cooking, due to shipping delays caused by harsh weather conditions. Alaa Hammami, a distributor in Goubellat, expressed frustration, noting the high volume of calls he receives daily from residents in desperate need of gas.
“People are calling constantly for gas, but there’s none available,” Hammami said. His phone rings non-stop from morning until night, reflecting the growing desperation among local communities.
With only about one-third of the population connected to natural gas lines, rural areas remain dependent on gas cylinders. This reliance makes them vulnerable to disruptions, particularly during periods of extreme weather. The recent cold snap has significantly increased gas consumption in these underserved regions.
Mounir Riahi, a vendor in Beja, reported a drastic decline in supply, with daily deliveries dropping from 4,000 cylinders to as few as 800. The shortage has pushed families to turn to firewood, which is equally difficult to obtain.