Double whammy for the masses as govt hikes RLNG rates after increase in petrol price
Price for Sui Northern consumers reaches Rs622 per MMBtu, while it reaches Rs634 per MMBtu for Sui Southern consumers
Laborers unload gas calendar from a truck at a market on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan on September 2, 2020. Photo: AFP
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Thursday increased the price of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) for March, raising tariffs for consumers of both Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).
The increase in price has added to the burden on the public, as the government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre last week, demonstrating its intent to avert any crisis.
According to a notification issued by the authority today, the price of imported RLNG for SNGPL has been increased by $2.22 per MMBtu, setting the new price at $13.55 per MMBtu.
“In rupee terms, RLNG for Sui Northern consumers has become Rs 622 per MMBtu more expensive,” the notification said.
It further said that the price of RLNG for SSGC consumers has increased by $2.26 per MMBtu, raising the tariff to $12.53 per MMBtu.
The increase translates into a rise of around Rs634 per MMBtu for Sui Southern consumers. The revised RLNG prices will apply for the month of March, according to the regulator’s notification.
Meanwhile, the rise in petrol prices also pushed up the cost of fruits, vegetables and other daily necessities. Shopkeepers said the transport cost of bringing fruits, vegetables and goods had previously been around Rs1,000 per trip but had now increased to between Rs2,500 and Rs3,000.
Drivers providing pick-and-drop services for schoolchildren have also raised their fares, with residents saying the entire burden has shifted to the public.
