ISLAMABAD: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has intensified its efforts to combat gas theft, with the removal of 323 illegal connections and the recovery of Rs75.4 million from defaulters.
This ongoing crackdown aims to address the theft of this precious resource, which has been a persistent issue, and underscores the commitment to protect the national economy and ensure fair access to gas.
The Regional Directorate of SNGPL has launched a massive crackdown on individuals involved in the theft of natural gas, a valuable and scarce commodity. The crackdown is in response to ongoing reports of illegal tapping, which has contributed to significant losses for the national economy.
During the course of the anti-gas theft operations, SNGPL’s raiding teams have made significant progress. They have uncovered more than 323 illegal connections, resulting in the recovery of Rs75.4 million from defaulters. This marks a substantial achievement in the effort to curb illegal gas usage.
The specialized teams have not only identified but also removed more than 270 illegal meters and 53 direct connections. This proactive approach has not only curtailed gas theft but also recouped significant sums of money from those who were not paying for their gas consumption.
SNGPL’s commitment to addressing gas pilferage remains unwavering. The company has undertaken a region-wide crackdown on illegal tapping and connections, driven by directives from the federal government. This is a crucial step in protecting the national economy and ensuring fair access to gas, especially as the country grapples with dwindling hydrocarbon reserves and elevated international market prices.
To achieve the desired results, SNGPL has increased the number of raiding teams to enhance the ongoing operations against gas theft and maximize recoveries from defaulters.
The crackdown extends to employees found involved in unlawful activities, with 25 to 30 individuals blacklisted, and legal proceedings initiated against 40 to 50 officials.
A SNGPL official highlighted the challenges posed by the depletion of gas reserves, which are declining by 9 to 10 percent annually. The demand for gas in the Islamabad and Rawalpindi Division stands at 100 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD), while only 50 MMCFD is currently available, underscoring the need for efficient management and curbing gas theft to ensure uninterrupted services to domestic consumers.
As SNGPL continues its crackdown on gas theft and works to address the challenges in gas supply, the aim is to ensure equitable access to this vital resource while safeguarding the national economy from losses due to illegal tapping and usage.
