Tag: Gas theft

  • Nationwide crackdown launched against electricity and gas theft

    Nationwide crackdown launched against electricity and gas theft

    Pakistan authorities have issued a directive to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch a comprehensive operation targeting electricity and gas theft nationwide.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the commencement of this initiative via social media platform X on Thursday, stating, “Starting today, the FIA launches a massive crackdown against electricity and gas theft across the nation.”

    Minister Naqvi said that no individual or entity will be exempt from scrutiny. Those found responsible will face legal repercussions.

    Describing the initiative as a proactive measure, the minister highlighted its objective of combating the prevalent theft of essential utilities, thereby ensuring equitable distribution and access for all citizens.

    Electricity theft remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, manifesting through illegal connections, meter tampering, and non-payment of bills.

    Current estimates depict substantial annual losses in revenue, amounting to billions of rupees, due to this illicit activity.

    These losses not only strain the financial resources of energy providers but also contribute to frequent power outages.

    Similarly, gas theft poses a formidable concern, with illegal connections and meter tampering being common methods employed to siphon natural gas unlawfully.

    This illicit practice not only results in revenue losses for gas distribution companies but also poses safety hazards. Unauthorised diversion of gas leads to supply shortages, impacting both domestic and industrial consumers.

    Recognising the urgency of the situation, the interim government initiated a significant crackdown last year to address the escalating issue of power theft and to enforce stringent measures against those involved in such activities.

  • SNGPL cracks down on gas theft, imposing Rs3 crore in fines

    SNGPL cracks down on gas theft, imposing Rs3 crore in fines

    In an ongoing endeavour to combat gas theft, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has successfully identified and addressed 55 instances of unauthorised gas connections, resulting in the imposition of fines amounting to Rs30 million.  

    According to APP, these concerted efforts have been executed across various regions of Pakistan. 

    According to a company spokesperson, within the city of Lahore, the local SNGPL team has taken decisive action by discontinuing 15 gas connections due to unlawful gas consumption, in addition to two connections linked to the unauthorised use of compressors.  

    Furthermore, 47 cases of underbilling have been meticulously scrutinised, leading to the initiation of a First Information Report (FIR) against the offenders. 

    In Bahawalpur, the SNGPL team has demonstrated their commitment by disconnecting seven connections attributed to compressor usage and 16 connections associated with unauthorised gas consumption.  

    Additionally, 17 cases of underbilling have been diligently processed. The company has levied a fine of Rs40,000 on those engaged in pilfering gas. 

    In Multan, 11 connections have been severed due to illegal gas consumption, while nine have been disconnected for compressor usage. Six instances of underbilling have undergone rigorous examination, resulting in the imposition of appropriate fines. 

    In Sheikhupura, one connection has been disconnected due to compressor usage, and a comprehensive review of 63 underbilling cases has been undertaken.  

    In both Peshawar and Karak, 44 gas connections have been terminated owing to direct gas consumption and the presence of illicit connections. Additionally, two FIRs have been filed against those involved in gas theft. 

    In Rawalpindi, six gas connections have been discontinued due to direct and unauthorised gas consumption, with one connection linked to the use of compressors.