KARACHI: Sindh energy minister Imtiaz Ahmad Shaikh has declined the increase in gas tariffs and demanded more representation of provinces in Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
The minister termed gas tariff hike a consequence of monopoly in the regulatory, calling it unacceptable as it was announced without addressing the grievances by the province. He said there was a severe gas crisis in winters when its most needed and now there is a surge in the tariffs frequently.
His response came as OGRA approved an increase of Rs39.89 per MMBTU for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSCG) for consumer bills of Balochistan and Sindh.
The regulator approved the summary after it was moved by SSGC. Moreover, the average gas price has been set at Rs779.59 per MMBTU. The new rates will be effective once the government issues a notification in this regard; for now, it is not known from which month shall it come into effect.
It is pertinent to mention here that the gas prices would be increased in Balochistan and Sindh as SSGC is the gas provider for these provinces. A total of Rs39.89 has been increased in the total tariff which will be applicable after the notification to this effect has been issued by the government.
A similar decision is also expected for the northern region of Pakistan, covered by Sui Northern Gas and Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) which will be applicable on consumers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
