Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has condemned the decision regarding 20percent increase in gas prices by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) from January.
Abdul Rauf, President ICCI, addressing Industrial sub-committee here on Saturday condemned the advertisement calling the public that if any one had objection he must deposit Rs 500 to appear for hearing. He added that it was a deliberate tact to keep the public away from participating in hearing.
He further added that Ogra's primary objective was to protect the consumer's rights but he regretted that present increase in the gas prices showed that Ogra instead of protecting the consumer's right was safeguarding gas company's interest.
Rauf pointed out that natural gas was locally produced and Pakistan was self sufficient in it while the authorities were linking this with the increase in the crude oil prices in the international market.
"Since gas is not imported so it is incorrect and illogical to tie it with oil prices at international market", Rauf added.
Abdul Rauf said the Ogra members were either government servants or representatives of gas companies and instead of protecting the rights of consumers they were watching the interests of government or gas companies.
He appealed to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz that private sector must be given representation in Ogra and the notification regarding raise in prices of gas should be withdrawn.