Court Stops LPG Companies from Collecting Additional Premium

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has ordered an immediate halt to the collection of additional premiums by LPG companies and issued notices to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and all licensed companies, seeking their responses.

Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf heard a petition filed by Lahore High Court Bar Association President Babar Murtaza Khan on behalf of more than 40 companies challenging the additional premium being charged on LPG.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel argued that LPG companies were making illegal collections from consumers in the name of additional premiums. He maintained that charging additional premiums from marketing companies was against the law.

The court issued a stay order against the collection of the additional premium and sought replies from OGRA and the relevant licensed companies.

The court observed that gas is a basic necessity used by ordinary citizens and that companies cannot be left free to act at their discretion. It further noted that the additional premium was forcing consumers to purchase LPG at higher prices.