ISLAMABAD: For the assurance of the true gas cost and to tackle the circular debt in the gas sector, the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) demanded an equal rate for all sorts of consumers. If the government agrees to the terms presented by Ogra, then the rates will increase by 600 per cent for special commercial and domestic sectors.
According to the letter by Ogra to Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) and Sui Southern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), all consumers should pay the average service cost. It added that because of this step, there would be no need for unmet revenue, and revenue shortfall would be avoided.
In case the requirement of Ogra is fulfilled, then the domestic users will witness an increase of 606 per cent in gas rate. Currently, the monthly rate they pay is Rs121 per unit on the consumption of around 0.5 cubic metres.
Subsequently, the consumers using greater than one cubic metre monthly will face a hike of 185pc (against the current rate of Rs300 per unit). People using more than two cubic metres will see an increment of 55pc (against the rate of Rs553 per unit).