LAHORE: The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has proposed a significant hike in gas prices for the third time in a year.
A hearing regarding the increase in gas prices is scheduled to take place in Lahore on Monday (March 25). According to sources, the SNGPL has recommended a price of Rs4,489 per MMBTU.
Reports suggest that this increase in gas prices could result in an average hike of up to 155 percent for consumers. Despite a previous increase of up to 500 percent over the past year, the company has been unable to reduce its losses.
During the hearing, domestic and industrial sectors are expected to present reasons against raising gas prices. It has been noted that in the past, stakeholder opinions have not been considered, and prices have been raised solely on the company’s recommendation. The hearing in Lahore is seen as a means to fulfill legal formalities. A decision to increase gas prices has already been made effective from July 1st, as per the IMF’s demands.
55 illegal gas connections disconnected
The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has intensified its crackdown across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad. The company disconnected a total of 55 illegal gas connections and levied fines exceeding Rs1.3 million.
In Lahore, two connections were identified for illegal gas usage, along with two connections utilizing compressors, all of which were promptly disconnected.
Similarly, in Sheikhupura, eight connections found to be tampering with regulations were disconnected, with fines totaling Rs12,000 imposed.
The regional team in Multan disconnected four connections for illegal gas usage and five connections for compressor use, resulting in fines of Rs116,000.
Stricter measures were taken in Peshawar/Karak, where 30 connections were disconnected due to various violations, with fines exceeding Rs1 million.
In Sahiwal, two connections were disconnected for unauthorized gas use, while in Faisalabad, two connections faced disconnection, with additional fines of Rs. 1 lakh 63 thousand imposed. These ongoing operations by SNGPL aim to curb gas theft and ensure compliance with regulations across the mentioned regions.
