SWAT: The residents of Swat have raised their voices in concern over exorbitant gas bills received from Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), citing fixed charges of Rs 2000 in addition to their monthly consumption charges.
Nizamy Ullah, a resident of Mingora, expressed shock at receiving a gas bill of Rs 75,000, which included an unexpected fixed charge of Rs 2000. He stated that while his typical gas bills ranged between Rs 2000 and 4000, the recent bill has strained his monthly budget, as his salary is Rs 27,000.
Similarly, Abdul Khaliq from Amankot revealed that his gas bill amounted to Rs 43,000, surpassing his monthly income of Rs 40,000. He expressed concerns about meeting his basic living expenses with such inflated bills, emphasizing the financial strain it imposes on him and others in a similar predicament.
Frustrated with the escalating gas costs, some residents have resorted to shutting down their gas meters and opting for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders for cooking purposes.
“A 15-kg LPG gas cylinder, priced at Rs 4450, is a more viable option for his household, considering that his SNGPL gas bill exceeded Rs 2000 for the past three months,” Riaz, a resident of Charbagh, explained.
In response to the growing discontent, residents are calling on the government to take immediate notice of the SNGPL’s inflated bills and what they perceive as illegal charges of Rs 2000 in the guise of fixed fees.
“The issue has prompted residents to consider alternative energy sources and has sparked a call for government intervention.” locals said.
They have warned of potential street protests if corrective action is not taken promptly.
