PEW criticises SNGPL for increasing gas tariff by 47 percent

Lahore: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Friday criticised SNGPL for its effort to get gas tariff increased by 47 percent and asked Ogra to turn down the application.

SNGPL is least concerned about plight of masses and the business community and all it want is increased profit to please influential shareholders, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He said that Ogra should turn down the request as upward revision in price in the winter will hurt masses and bring down the industrial units using gas due to increased cost of doing business.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that SNGPL is already earning 17 percent profit and minting illegal money in LNG distribution which has jeopardised government plans to enhance use of LNG as motor fuel and generate power through it.

He said that Ogra has announced reduction in LNG prices on October 7^th but the gas companies are still resisting it therefore it could not be implemented which is against the national interests.

He noted that Ogra has allowed gas companies to receive 4 percent additional amount from consumers on account of gas theft and losses but SNGPL continue to take 11 percent as UFG which is illegal. SNGPL has also received around Rs 10 billion form CNG operators for providing LNG which is highly illegal which must be refunded.