Demonstrators storm SNGPL office in Lahore over gas shortage

Lahore: The angry demonstrators on Monday blocked Gurumangat Road in front of Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited as a protest, expressing their frustration over the prevailing gas shortage in the provincial capital.

The protestors in a significant numbers forcefully broke the main gate of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) office.  They loudly expressed their discontent over the gas shortage by chanting slogans against the company’s general manager.

The protestors also expressed anger for receiving the bills despite getting no gas. They said that they were foced to buy expensive gas for their kitchens.

Subsequently, the company’s GM engaged in negotiations with the protestors and assured them provision of gas supply during the cooking hours at homes.  After getting assurance, the protestors peacefully left the SNGPL premises without causing further incident.

Earlier this week, the company had fixed charges into consumers’ November bills after approval from the caretaker government.

The officials stated that they protected consumers using 0.9 hectometer gas which would cost Rs400 as monthly fixed charges. Whereas the non-protected users consuming 1.5 hectometers would see an additional Rs1,000 reflected in their bills.

The officials said consumers with zero gas usage will be subject to Rs400 monthly fixed charges.