Defaulters: SNGPL disconnects 25 gas connections

SNGPL has disconnected gas supply over non-payment of outstanding bills worth Rs179.6 million


Our Correspondent June 20, 2013
SNGPL spokesperson said the disconnection of gas supply was only a consequence of the defaulters’ failure to pay their dues. PHOTO: FILE

LAHORE:


Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has disconnected gas supply to 24 commercial and industrial units over non-payment of outstanding bills worth Rs179.6 million, says a press release issued here.


Out of the total disconnected connections, nine belonged to commercial customers, while 15 belonged to industries located in various cities of the country.

However, a senior official said that SNGPL should have tried to recover the outstanding amount instead of disconnecting gas supply, which will do nothing to narrow the financial gap in revenue collection.

“The disconnection of supply is not a solution to the problem, as it invites pilferage instead of discouraging it,” he maintained. The receivables had accumulated only due to the company’s negligence in recovering the amounts due, he added.

However, a SNGPL spokesperson said the disconnection of gas supply was only a consequence of the defaulters’ failure to pay their dues. The practice does not encourage the pilferage of gas, and is used only as a last resort.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2013.

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COMMENTS (1)

Akbar Khan | 10 years ago | Reply

the defaulter will get a new connection.....

It's good that defaulter's gas connection is terminated but a mechanism should be devised to make the defaulter pay as well as make it very difficult for defaulter to get new utilities connections.

But I am sure defaulters will find friends in presidency/parliament/bureaucracy/Gas company who will reset their account.

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