Single gas price for all consumers needed as existing slab system needs review: petroleum minister

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has called for a move to one uniform gas rate for every user, arguing that the current slab structure needs a review. Speaking on Thursday and according to a Petroleum Division statement reported by The Express Tribune, he said the change would encourage more economic activity and slow the shift of customers toward other fuels.

The minister chaired a Karachi meeting with the chairman, board, managing director and senior management of Sui Southern Gas Company, reviewing performance and reform priorities. He noted that gas prices had stayed unchanged for a year and that the buildup of gas circular debt has almost stopped, calling both steps toward sector stabilisation. He also instructed the SSGC board to draft a strategy to curb unaccounted-for gas so the company becomes financially viable, with public service as its main aim.

According to the statement, distribution improved as unaccounted-for gas fell roughly 57% in volume terms. The meeting was also told that K-Electric, industrial users and fertiliser plants had no gas load-shedding, while households received supply three times a day. Malik further asked the board to build a reform programme covering losses, gas theft and revenue recovery, while noting ongoing work with the World Bank on wider sector reforms.