The panel, chaired by Naveed Qamar, examined audit objections related to the Petroleum Division from 2011-12 to 2022-23, including the diversion of RLNG to the domestic sector during summer months.
During the discussion, the Petroleum Division’s secretary clarified that the RLNG diversion did not cause any system losses, asserting, “What is being described as a loss is, in fact, not a loss”.
Following the explanation, the body decided to settle the audit para concerning the RLNG diversion. However, serious concerns were raised over SNGPL’s failure to install gas meters despite receiving full payments from consumers.
The audit officials informed the committee that although demand notices and urgent fees were collected, meters were not installed at thousands of locations.
They further noted that 71,892 applications had been submitted before November 27, 2021. In 3,028 cases, service lines were laid but meters were not installed, while 14,000 consumers who paid urgent fees also remained without gas connections.
The audit further observed that despite directives to process urgent-fee cases even during the ban on new connections, SNGPL failed to comply. This resulted in delays in providing gas connections and violated the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority’s (Ogra) service standards.
The audit officials accused SNGPL of “serious negligence in service delivery,” noting that the company’s conduct amounted to a breach of consumer trust.
Expressing strong disapproval, the committee convener said, “Those who trusted you and paid in advance are not at fault. This is sheer obstinacy, taking money first and installing connections at your convenience. If government institutions start behaving like contractors, what will become of the system?”
The subcommittee directed that the matter be referred back to the Departmental Accounts Committee for further review.