Pakistan's largest gas distributor, the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), has launched an aggressive campaign against gas pilferage and unauthorised usage. In its latest crackdown, 179 gas connections in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad have been cut off as fines worth over Rs4.8 million are being charged.
SNGPL is one of those major gas supply companies which supplies natural gas to millions of consumers in Pakistan. Its network is over 7,000 kilometres, which forms the lifeblood of the households, industries, and all other commercial establishments in the country.
However, for centuries, thefts and illegal usage have haunted this system caused financial loss and put customers' lives at stake.
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Regional crackdown by SNGPL
In its recent operation, SNGPL had targeted areas that have recorded the maximum number of cases of theft of gas. The disconnections and amounts collected in fines are as follows:
- Multan, Sahiwal: 38 connections cut off, Rs 210000 gathered in fines.
- Lahore, Faisalabad: 44 connections cut, over Rs2 million in fines.
- Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, and Gujrat: 17 connections cut off, Rs1.55 million in fines
- Bahawalpur and Rawalpindi: 21 connections dismantled.
- Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (Peshawar, Karak and Mardan): 59 connections snapped, over Rs1 million in fines, and eight FIRs filed.
SNGPL actions to prevent gas theft
To discourage gas theft, SNGPL has enhanced its measures to ensure that the practice is dealt a decisive blow. Strict inspection and monitoring of gas connections to rectify metering faults, modern metering systems to ensure proper consumption, and coordination with law enforcement agencies to track down the gas siphoners and file cases against them are some of the three-pronged measures undertaken in this regard.
How to apply for SNGPL's new gas connection legally
For those seeking to obtain a new gas connection, SNGPL provides a straightforward application process:
- Obtain an application form from the regional office or download it from the SNGPL website.
- Submit the completed form along with the required documents.
- Pay the required security deposit and service line charges.