THIS refers to gas bill of the month of August. The payable amount mentioned on it was surprisingly quite high. When I tried to check units consumed and charges mentioned on it, it was normal as per the previous month’s consumption trend shown on it. When I looked for any arrears nothing was there. But there was a small message about it. The Sui Sothern Gas Company (SSGC) has added amount of Rs867 beside actual amount of payable bill as gas security deposit.

A total amount to be recovered is multiplication of this amount into six. This is the first installment and balance amount would be added in subsequent bills.

Without prior information this amount is added to enhance security deposit up to Rs6,000. This is not fair as at the time of getting connection consumers have already deposited it. This is based on total estimated consumption. What about those whose bill does not touch this figure? Is their any plan to increase gas tariff?

This should not be applicable to old consumers. I wonder what the agreement document says about it. Ogra authorities should take notice of it. The government and petroleum and natural resources ministry should also clarify this. Otherwise it seems to be a money-minting tactic.

Consumer rights organisation should also come forward to check this. Is this in accordance to law? Consumers should not be affected with this unjust demand.

DR ALFRED CHARLES
Karachi