Delay in doubling lowest gas slab range irks PAC panel

ISLAMABAD:

The subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Thursday sought a detailed briefing from the Petroleum Division over delay in doubling the range of the lowest gas slab from five to 10 within 15 days.

The committee had made the recommendation in public interest as the move, when implemented, would result in reduced gas bills for a large number of consumers.

A meeting of the subcommittee (Review and Implementation) of PAC of parliament was held under the chairmanship of Convener Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in which the audit objections of the Petroleum Division from 2004-05 to 2009-10 were reviewed.

Expressing concerns over delay in implementing the subcommittee’s recommendations, Sadiq said, “Why your ministry did not give us an answer. You must give an answer … why did we have to send four reminders … now tell us the status of this matter.

“In 2020, the subcommittee had given instructions. What did the secretary do after four and a half months?”

The convener sought a reply from the Ministry of Energy within 15 days, saying: “Our job is to monitor and implement.”

The meeting also reviewed the audit objections of Sui Southern Gas Company regarding gas theft.

Committee member Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said that an FIR was supposed to be lodged against gas theft.

The committee expressed dissatisfaction over the response of the SSGC officials and sought reasons for non-registration of the FIR within 15 days, directing them to come to the committee after making further preparations.

Another committee member Riaz Fatyana said that their legal section does not look effective as they could not explain the matter properly.

The committee convener expressed concerns over the delay in implementation of the committee's recommendations.

The issue of non-recovery of gas development surcharge from a gas company was also discussed during the meeting.