Gas Supply Issues in Commercial Sector Prompt Urgent Demands at Rawalpindi RCCI Meeting

Gas Supply Issues in Commercial Sector Prompt Urgent Demands at Rawalpindi RCCI Meeting

Islamabad: The Restaurant, Caterers, Sweets and Bakers Association has called for immediate resolution of critical gas supply issues affecting the commercial sector, urging the government and gas authorities to take concrete measures to alleviate traders’ concerns. President of the association, Muhammad Farooq, raised these demands during a high-level meeting held at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) with officials from Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

Addressing the gathering, Farooq emphasized the challenges faced by businesses due to limited gas supply, high security charges, fault volume disputes, and the problematic replacement of Electronic Volume Corrector (EVC) meters. He insisted that the government ensure uninterrupted gas to commercial hubs and reduce additional costs that are burdening small and medium enterprises.

A senior delegation from SNGPL attended the meeting, led by Deputy Managing Directors Saqib Arbab and Faisal Iqbal, along with Senior General Managers Syed Jawad Naseem and Taj Ali Khan, and General Manager Masam Abrar. RCCI’s acting president Khalid Farooq Qazi also took part, alongside group leader Sohail Altaf, Vice President Fahad Barlas, and members of the Executive Committee, including Chairman Mumtaz Ahmed and Senior Vice President Huzaifa Ansar.

The delegation highlighted several urgent concerns, particularly the inflated billing for RLNG (Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas) and unresolved gas leakages. Chairman Mumtaz Ahmed noted that commercial customers are disproportionately affected by high RLNG rates and deteriorating infrastructure, which often results in faulty readings and billing errors.

In response, SNGPL officials assured participants that a pipeline replacement project is already underway to address leakages, overbilling, and related technical issues. They further announced that a help desk will soon be established in Rawat Industrial Estate following a detailed survey to assist businesses directly with complaints and technical queries.

Participants also raised concerns over delayed industrial connections, low gas pressure, and inconsistent service. The SNGPL team committed to regular consultations with stakeholders and promised timely action to resolve outstanding issues and improve service delivery.

The meeting underscored the growing frustration among commercial gas users and highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue between traders and utility providers to prevent economic disruption in one of Rawalpindi’s key business sectors.