ISLAMABAD: Officials from Pakistan Steel Mills informed the Senate Standing Committee on Industries on Friday that the mills incurred a loss of Rs18 million due to instances of theft.
Committee members expressed serious concern upon learning that the theft included machinery and other assets, and the number of such incidents increased in 2021.
During the meeting, it was explained that the primary reason behind the theft was the mills’ location in a deserted and empty place. It was also disclosed that despite having over 9,000 employees in 2021, the number of thefts had risen as the workforce decreased.
Officials reported that a total of 45 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against the thefts. They added that two cases were dismissed, while 28 are still pending in courts.
Among the FIRs, 15 are categorized as Class A. The officials further stated that 12 officers had been involved in the thefts, and seven of them were dismissed.
Additionally, it was revealed that the position of CEO had been vacant, contrary to the rules specifying that hiring should be completed within 14 days. The committee’s chairman instructed that a CEO should be appointed as soon as possible.
OGRA Announces Double-Digit Surge In LNG Prices For December
In a recent development, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) officially announced a significant increase in the prices of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) for December.
The new prices apply to both Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), representing a noteworthy rise compared to the rates observed in November.
As per the notification released by OGRA on Friday, RLNG prices for December have experienced a double-digit surge, with a 10% increase compared to the preceding month. This surge affects both transmission and distribution prices, impacting consumers nationwide.
For SNGPL, the RLNG transmission price is set at $13.68 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), and the distribution price climbs to $14.81 per MMBtu during December 2023.
Meanwhile, SSGC consumers will face a transmission rate of $13.26 per MMBtu and a distribution rate of $15.45 per MMBtu.
