Pakistanis already struggling with high inflation may face more pressure as Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has requested a record increase of Rs291 per MMBTU in gas prices.

The proposal came up during a public hearing led by OGRA Chairman Masroor Khan, where SNGPL officials argued that the hike was needed to cover “gas transportation costs.” However, industrial consumers and other participants at the hearing strongly opposed the request, calling it an unbearable burden on both businesses and households.

Chairman OGRA offered some reassurance, saying efforts will be made to protect consumers. He noted that Rs57 billion has already been cut from Sui Southern’s demands and Rs141 billion in revenue requests have been rejected overall.

Even so, many fear that if the increase is approved, it will push inflation even higher and worsen the financial hardships faced by ordinary people already struggling with rising utility bills.

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