PM Shehbaz expresses displeasure over massive gas tariff hike

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed displeasure over the massive raise in gas tariff, directing authorities concerned to submit a forensic audit of the recent whopping hike.

A visibly angry prime minister on Monday also decided to review the performance of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Pipelines Limited (SSGPL).

PM Shehbaz Shehbaz has also ordered the energy ministry to complete 16 tasks he has set for them in one to three months. He directed the ministry to present the forensic audit of the recent hike in gas tariff, whereas gas theft, gas infrastructure and unsatisfactory performance report should be presented within three months.

The ministry was also ordered to form an inter-ministerial commission to monitor the progress on Iran-Pakistan Gas pipeline project.

About surplus electricity, the prime minister directed to draft and present a plan on establishing new industrial zone to lift the electricity consumption within a month.

Shehbaz Sharif ordered the the respective authorities in power and petroleum divisions to find a lasting solution to the crippling problem of circular debt. He gave them two weeks in this regard with aim at avoiding the hike in energy prices.

Yesterday, the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) had requested the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to massively hike the gas tariff, effective from July 1, 2024. According to the proposal, the gas company had urged the OGRA to jack up gas prices by Rs324 per million British thermal units (mmbtu), aiming to set a new average price of Rs1,740.80 per mmbtu.

It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif had directed for ensuring uninterrupted gas and power supply to the consumers during Ramadan.