SSGC increases efforts to bring down incidences of gas theft – removes 2,671 illegal connections

KARACHI: Sui Southern Gas Company’s Security Services and Counter Gas Theft Operations (SS&CGTO) and Customer Relations Department (CRD) teams have been jointly pulling out all stops to bring down the rising incidences of gas theft. Recently, the teams carried out multiple raids, after working upon survey reports in which they identified the areas where gas theft was being committed and immediately took actions against those involved in this heinous crime. In all 2,671 illegal gas connections were removed.

In Karachi, CRD team carried out raids in Korangi Industrial Area, Mehran Town Korangi, Ibrahim Hyderi, Hassan Goth Korangi, Haji Muhammad Goth Landhi, Musani Para Landhi and Sohrab Goth areas, where they removed 2,080 illegal connections. The residents had illegally extended gas pipes through rubber pipes and were supplying to these households. Culprits were running heavy gas generators in Hussain market, Sohrab Goth. Subsequent claims are being raised.

In Quetta, 207 disconnections were made in Cantonment area and City Zone combined, where the residents had used overhead and underground clamps for illegally accessing gas through the Company’s main supply line. Additionally, another 348 disconnections were made in lower and upper Balochistan for which claims are being raised. All rubber pipes, clamps and materials used for gas theft were taken in custody.

In Hyderabad, 36 disconnections were made in Qasimabad region where residents were stealing gas through rubber pipes, direct theft clamps and through overhead connections. Due to scheduled maintenance work in the area, gas theft was detected and removed.

First Gas Theft Conviction was announced in District Sanghar by Honorable Session Court under Gas Theft Control and Recovery Act 2016. Accused who was caught by SS&CGTO (Operation Wing) Nawabshah, was using direct gas for running his hotel business. Accused was sentenced for ten years imprisonment and fine of Rupees One Million along with payment of stolen gas recovery of Rs.2808900/-

Gas theft is a serious crime against the community as it hinders the smooth gas supply to the customers and it can be quite harmful for the residents as even a smallest mistake can lead to damaging results. SSGC therefore requests its customers to come forward and report gas theft incidences if they are aware of any such case. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in this menace of gas theft which directly impacts the bottom-line of the Company.