16th September 2023, Mumbai: Pakistan’s Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has taken stringent measures to address gas theft and unauthorized usage by disconnecting 241 gas connections in several regions, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad. This action follows the imposition of a detection bill totaling approximately ₹2.7 million on various consumers.
Pakistan Gasline Company Fraud
SNGPL’s regional teams have been actively working to uncover and address gas theft and illegal connections. They recently discovered an illegal gas connection at a farmhouse on Bedian Road in Lahore, leading to disconnections. In Lahore itself, several domestic connections that were being used for commercial purposes were disconnected.
gas connections were disconnected
In Mardan, a team detected a five-kilometer illegal gas network and promptly disconnected it. Additionally, the company disconnected 30 connections in Peshawar due to direct gas usage and illegal connections. In Rawalpindi, 11 gas connections were disconnected, and a fine of ₹277,000 was imposed on those involved in gas theft. Further disconnections occurred in various regions for reasons such as illegal gas usage, compressor usage, meter tampering, and illegal extensions. In Sialkot, 21 connections were disconnected for using compressors, while in Sargodha, two connections were disconnected for meter tampering and 11 for illegal gas usage.
Action taken at various places
The SNGPL teams in Gujranwala and Gujrat also took action against illegal gas usage and compressor usage, resulting in disconnections and fines for gas thieves. Similar actions were carried out in Islamabad, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Lahore, Bahawalpur, Multan, and Sheikhupura, where connections were disconnected, and fines were imposed for various violations related to gas usage.
These measures by SNGPL are aimed at curbing gas theft and unauthorized usage, ensuring fair distribution of gas resources, and deterring those attempting to bypass the gas supply system. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to legal and ethical practices in energy consumption.
By Yashika Desai