RAWALPINDI: TheSui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) continued its crackdown on gas theft in Islamabad region and imposed a fine of Rs3 million on consumers using domestic gas connections for commercial purposes.

A spokesman for the SNGPL said in a press release on Friday that following directives from General Manager Azhar Rasheed Sheikh, the task force conducted raids in G-9, Lethrar Road, E-11/2, G-14 and Banigala.

He said connections of eight consumers found involved in commercial use of the gas were disconnected and they were subjected to heavy fines.

Additionally, a hotel located in Sabzi Mandi was fined Rs3 million for using a domestic connection.

Furthermore, in Royal Avenue and Jhangi Syedan, the task force imposed fines onowners of hostels who were using domestic connections, said the spokesman.

The task force, he added, will continue its crackdown on illegal connections until the last illegal connection is eliminated.

The spokesman said the circle had tightened the noose around those who had caused huge losses to the public exchequer by stealing gas at commercial and domestic levels, adding action will be taken against them with the help of law enforcement agencies.

He said during the ongoing operation, the task force and raiding teams had so far unearthed more than 323 illegal connections and recovered Rs75.4 million from defaulters.

He said the special teams also removed more than 270 illegal meters and 53 direct connections. Not only the connections of gas thieves will be disconnected but they will also have to face legal proceedings.

He said FIRs had been lodged against 37 individuals for stealing gas besides imposing over Rs90 million fines on the thieves, adding legal action had so far resulted in the recovery of Rs75.4 million.

The spokesman urged the citizens to play their role in identifying gas thieves. Strict action will be taken against employees found involved in any unlawful activity.

Customer service centres are operating round-the-clock and any complaint related to illegal activities or gas theft would be promptly addressed, he said.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2023