LHC tasks SNGPL with gas demand-supply report

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday sought a report from Sui Northern Gas pipelines Limited (SNGPL) regarding demand and supply of the gas.

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah passed the order on a petition against 3-day gas closure for CNG sector filed by All Pakistan CNG Association through its Chairman Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha.

Earlier, Member Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) Mansoor Muzaffar appearing before the court submitted that the petroleum ministry forms gas policy whereas OGRA had no role in the matter.

However, the court observed that OGRA being an independent authority should play a role balancing interest of customer and the supplier.

The petitioner's counsel said that the CNG sector enjoy a small share of available gas whereas it was facing loadshedding more than its due share.

He submitted that fertilizer and ghee manufacturers could store products developed from the gas while the CNG sector did not had any facility like this.

He said that the CNG owners started work on government's guarantee for gas supply, therefore, priorities for gas supply be revised and gas be made available for CNG sector.

The court after hearing the arguments directed the SNGPL counsel to submit a report regarding available gas, its demand and consumption by various sectors. The court adjourned the matter till December 15.

The APCNGA submitted in his petition that the three-day gas closure for CNG sector was being observed on orders of Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet, which had no authority to issue such order.

The petitioner-association said that not only the public but also the families associated with CNG business were facing great difficulties and a financial loss.

The association pleaded the court to set aside gas load shedding terming it against constitution and law. (APP)