Crackdown on Gas Theft: SNGPL Initiates Major Operations in Punjab and KP

In a decisive move against gas theft, the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) announced a significant crackdown in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as communicated by the Managing Director, Amir Tufail. Immediately following the announcement, authorities detained over 30 individuals in Islamabad for unauthorized gas usage.

Tufail underscored the impending extensive operations in Punjab and KP, emphasizing the company’s unwavering stance against gas pilferage. He highlighted the challenges in oil and gas production blocks such as Karak and adjoining areas in KP. Through collaborative efforts with law enforcement and the federal government, the company has significantly decreased gas losses by 66%. This collaboration has spearheaded operations recovering Rs2.4 billion in over 325,000 gas theft cases in the past three years, further registering 803 FIRs across police stations in the provinces.

The Managing Director noted the substantial progress in reducing unaccounted-for gas (UFG) or line losses, exceeding the government’s reduction target and saving approximately Rs12.5 billion. Furthermore, the company has adopted preventative measures such as installing cyber locks on suspicious industrial connections and repairing leaks on its expansive 87,000km network. The firm stance against gas theft also manifested in disciplinary actions against 361 employees involved in unethical practices. Tufail clarified that the decision concerning lifting the ban on new connections lies with the Pakistani government.

Islamabad Crackdown: Over 30 Arrested

Following the announcement, SNGPL initiated stern actions against individuals involved in gas theft in various parts of Islamabad, leading to over 30 arrests and their subsequent detention at Adiala Jail. The crackdown, which also saw several individuals heavily fined by the court, is part of a broader strategy to eradicate line losses, stated a company spokesperson.

In line with directives from the managing director, a dedicated task force overseen by the chief engineer of the Islamabad region has been constituted to monitor line losses meticulously. This force will operate in different areas, including Wah and Attock, tracing theft instances and ensuring the culprits are held accountable. The spokesperson further urged the public to collaborate in these efforts by reporting incidents of gas theft, thereby safeguarding national assets and protecting communities from the dangers associated with unlawful gas utilization. The company assured that the identity of those who report such cases would be kept confidential.