SNGPL launches crackdown on gas theft

RAWALPINDI:

The Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) has constituted special teams to launch a crackdown on gas theft

Rawalpindi SNGPL General Manager Region Mukhtar Shah said that the teams will tighten the noose around those using illegal compressors to suck gas.

The official said that the SNGPL has so detected 213 gas-sucking compressors and machines and disconnected 110 gas supply connections from different areas of the city and Cantonment board localities.

He said that there was no shortage of gas but the pilferage and the use of illegal compressors were causing low gas pressure in some neighbourhoods.

Mukhtar said that efforts were being made to address the gap between the demand and supply, admitting that the increased demand for gas has crippled peoples’ woes.

He appealed to the public to use gas appliances carefully to avoid unpleasant accidents, observing that due to the prevailing crisis of gas shortage, consumers resort to using alternate measures like using cylinders and compressors at their houses.

Terming the practice of using fridge compressors to increase the flow of natural gas dangerous, the SNGPL official advised residents against adopting hazardous and illegal practices.

He urged consumers not to use gas heaters and geysers so that a regular supply of gas can be ensured for maximum domestic users.

Mukhtar also asked the local administration to take action against the sale of illegal compressors in the open market.

Meanwhile, an acute shortage of gas has made the lives of citizens miserable in various areas of Rawalpindi. Most localities in Rawalpindi have been struggling with low gas pressure, making it difficult for residents to prepare food at home.

Residents of Committee Chowk, Dhoke Khaba, Umer Road, Dhoke Elahi Bukush, Nadeem Colony, Arya Mohallah, Pirwadhai, Adiala Road, Bakra Mandi, Dhoke Syedan, Sadiqabad, MuslimTown, Dhamial, Qasim Market, Satellite Town, Chur, Allahabad, ChahSultan, Asghar Mall, Pindora and other areas have been facing an acute shortage of gas.

Residents said that buying food from restaurants was not an affordable option for them, while the prices of wood, coal and kerosene oil were also high.

Amara Khan, a housewife, said that the public is facing problems because of the inefficiency of the authorities concerned. “We pay gas bills every month, but still suffer from extreme gas shortage in winters,” she said. “We do not have the means to buy breakfast, lunch and dinner from restaurants either.”

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2021.