August 8, 2002	Thursday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 28,1423

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 7: Islamabad Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) has welcomed the decrease in the price of gas by 32 paisa per mcft as opposed to Sui Southern Gas Company’s (SSGC) request for an increase of Rs7.35.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) reduced its prescribed price and said in fact, the SSGC had a surplus of Rs76 million in its revenue

The CRCP termed the decision: “Satisfactory but its benefit should be passed on to the consumers by lowering the sale price of gas,” it said.

Commenting on the decision of OGRA, Mian Abrar Hafeez, Secretary General CRCP, said it had pleaded against this petition in public hearing held by OGRA.

It had asked the authority to take into account the company’s Unaccounted For Gas (UFG), receivable, salaries, and wages, which were extremely high and unjustified.

The UFG of SSGC were 7.58 per cent, which are very high and should be lowered.

Mr Ibrar, while reflecting on the decision regarding late payment surcharge, appreciated the authority for considering CRCP’s comments in this respect.