OGRA accuses SNGPL MD of flouting instruction, not responding to complaints

Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Friday sent an accusatory letter to Amjad Latif, Managing Director Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), for not responding to complaints, and thereby flouting Ogra instructions.
The copy of the letter available with Business Recorder states that SNGPL is playing with the sentiment of its consumers and making mockery of OGRA instructions to redress their complaints. Neither a proper reply is received from SNGPL in complaint cases within the stipulated time of 15 days nor any interim reply is submitted which reflects extremely casual attitude in resolution of consumer complaints. "Personnel deputed to attend hearing are often observed as either lacking in record pertinent to the case or are not well conversant with the facts of the case" the letter states.
Violations of "Procedure for dealing with theft of gas cases" have been very often observed on the part of the SNGPL officials resulting in weak prosecution. The meter replacement advice (MRA) which is the primary evidence of condition of meter and seals at the time of replacement, is either not prepared with due prudence or the MIR findings are defective. In general, the consumers are not associated at the time of meter replacement. All decisions from OGRA are addressed to MG SNGPL with copies to regional General Managers but the personnel deputed at hearings often tender reason for lack of response on the pretext that they did not receive the letter from their head office despite considerable time has elapsed."
"Consumer Meter Station (CMS) should clearly and unequivocally spell out its findings rather than relying on possibilities or probabilities. Often the MIRS of domestic meters are vague and found relying on possibilities which weakens the SNGPL case" the letter adds.
During financial year 2015-16, an estimated 3829 consumers approached Ogra for redressal of complaints of highhandedness of SNGPL and SSGCL authorities. Other complaints are delay in provision of gas connection, excessive billing, adjustment charges, low pressure of gas, waiver of late payment surcharge (LPS) and additional security for natural gas etc. SNGPL reportedly recently requested OGRA to increase the quota of domestic connections from 300,000 to 500,000.