The federal government has ordered another inquiry to find out the person who authorized the application of pressure factor in natural gas tariff that led to excessive billing of domestic consumers.
The government had previously formed a committee, led by the additional secretary of the petroleum division, to investigate the matter. An external audit of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), where customers were primarily affected by the tariff hike, was also ordered.
While the reports of both inquiries were not made public, the government confirmed that pressure factor was the reason that caused excessive billing for gas consumers and that 30 percent overcharging was detected in the SNGPL bills.
Now, the petroleum division has issued a notification on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan to start an inquiry to find out who was responsible for the overbilling.
The acting managing director of SNGPL has been asked to report as to “who authorized to charge the pressure factor beyond the OGRA approved limit” in consumers’ bills.
The SNGPL MD has also received PM Khan’s directives to present a report on the steps taken to reimburse the over-charged amount to the public.
Moreover, the Minister for Petroleum Ghulam, Sarwar Khan, briefed the Senate about the matter and said the reimbursement will begin from April.
He said the government will take stricter actions at the highest-level against those responsible for the ‘wrongdoing.’ “Theft has been detected, the thief is being identified and what has been stolen has to be recovered,” he said.
only enquiry against SSGC is not suitable. If PTI really wants to audit then K-electric should be on TOP of the list.