Karachi has been running short of oxygen cylinders providing room to profiteers to cash in on the highly-sought commodity.

Before COVID-19 outbreak, the price of a cylinder was Rs500 while the same is being sold at Rs30,000 as the stuff is in high demand.

Doctors suggested use of oxygen cylinders at home for patients showing symptoms of coronavirus and having breathing issue.

Those using oxygen cylinders have maintained that they opt for new cylinders rather than refilling old ones with new oxygen due to the tediousness of the process.

Sufferers have also asked for a 24-hours supply of oxygen at healthcare facilities and shops meant for refilling. Shopkeepers said that the local police were a cause for nuisance and won't allow them to operate on a 24/7 basis although the items they sell and oxygen refilling are very essential for coronavirus sufferers.

People called upon the chief minister to take notice and get the problem solved to help mitigate their sufferings.