LAHORE – The Lahore High Court on Friday restrained Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited from disconnecting gas supply to 22 CNG stations in the Punjab.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah also sought reply from Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority and SNGPL on different petitions moved by CNG station owners including Tallat Mehmood.
They contended that at the time of getting new connection for CNG station they struck an agreement with SNGPL wherein it was clearly mentioned that supply of gas would be disconnected in the months of December, January and February being a seasonal connection. They pleaded that SNGPL had been trying to disconnect supply of gas to their stations without any reason and in violation of contract.
The owners pointed out that as per load management policy gas was being supplied to fertilizers which were discriminatory act under the law as gas connection of one cannot be disconnected for the supply of others. They pleaded policy was not protected by any law as it was mere outcome of verbal order of ministry of Oil & Gas. They contended that as per agreement seasonal period was defined from December to February but not March to May and SNGPL had changed it on its own in violation of agreement.
The owners requested to set aside the load management policy, change of seasonal period and restrain SNGPL from disconnecting supply of gas to their CNG stations.
After recording contentions, the court suspended the operation of a notification, to stop gas supply under load management plan to 550 CNG stations in Punjab, to the extent of 22 CNG stations, and sought reply from respondents.