The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has sought explanation from gas companies - Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) - regarding steps being taken to sensitise consumers on gas conservation during winter.
In letters to both companies, the Ogra has asked from the gas companies regarding precautionary steps taken to educate the general public through print and electronic media to conserve energy and avoid excessive billing. In the best interest of the consumers, the oil and gas authority recommended to launch awareness campaign in compliance with the licence conditions under intimation to the authority.
Domestic and commercial consumers are showing strong resentment/ reservation regarding excessive billing or over-billing by the gas companies due to cold resulting in the shift to the next higher slab in respect of the gas bills. The OGRA has received a significant number of complaints against the excessive gas billing and low gas pressure in whole Pakistan.
Meanwhile, SSGCL will suspend gas supply to all CNG stations in Sindh from Tuesday night to Thursday morning due to low gas pressure.
According to SSGCL, the decision to suspend gas supply to CNG has been taken following increasing demand of gas by domestic and commercial consumers in winter season.
The CNG stations across Punjab and Islamabad have already been shut from December 28 to January 10. The CNG stations will remain closed due to annual maintenance work at the re-gasified natural gas (RLNG) terminal.