Assessment of the Impact of Gas Supply Interruptions on Small and Medium Enterprises in Enugu State

Reliable gas supply is increasingly vital to the operational continuity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria's industrial sector. This study assesses the economic impact of gas supply interruptions on SMEs in Enugu State, with particular focus on food processing, ceramics, and metalworking industries within the Emene Industrial Layout. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilising structured interviews and financial impact questionnaires administered to 85 SME operators. The study documents the frequency, duration, and cause of gas supply disruptions experienced over a 24-month period, drawing on data from Enugu's gas distribution network operated under the Southeastern Gas Distribution Network. The research quantifies the resulting production losses, equipment damage costs, and workforce underutilisation attributable to supply interruptions. It further examines the coping strategies adopted by affected enterprises, including diesel generator fallback, process shutdowns, and fuel switching. Findings reveal that gas supply interruptions cost the surveyed SMEs an average of 15 percent of monthly production revenue, disproportionately affecting smaller operators with less financial resilience. The study recommends investment in pipeline redundancy, the establishment of emergency gas storage reserves, and the development of priority supply agreements for manufacturing clusters. These findings provide actionable intelligence for gas distribution companies and industrial policy planners in southeastern Nigeria. Keywords: gas supply, SMEs, Enugu, supply interruption, industrial productivity.