KARACHI, Oct 20: Many banks refused to accept any extension in the last date for payment of utility bills on Saturday, saying that they did not receive any intimation in this regard from their head offices.

People were seen quarrelling with the bank staff at payment counters as utility companies failed to properly inform bank branches and other collection organisations like post offices.

The banks were receiving the bills only with the late payment surcharge.

When people argued that the companies had made the announcement of extension through media, the staff concerned said they did not receive any instructions in this regard from their head offices.

The consumers were asked to make the full payment, including surcharge.

It is pertinent to note that the KESC had announced on Friday that the last date of utility bills payment had been extended till Oct 20 without any late payment surcharge.

Due to closure of bank branches and bill collection points on Oct 18 and 19, the Sui Southern Gas Company had also extended the due date till Oct 25.—APP