The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday restrained LPG companies from charging an additional premium, issuing an interim order to immediately halt the practice while seeking responses from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and all licensed LPG companies. The order was issued by Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf during the hearing of a petition filed by Lahore High Court Bar lawyer Babar Murtaza Khan.

Representing the petitioner, Lahore High Court Bar President Babar Murtaza argued that more than 40 LPG companies were illegally collecting additional premiums from marketing companies in violation of the law. The petitioner's counsel contended that the burden of the extra premium was ultimately being passed on to consumers, forcing the public to purchase LPG at inflated prices. 

During the hearing, the court observed that gas is a basic necessity for the common man and cannot be left at the mercy of private companies. It remarked that the interests of citizens must be protected.  The court directed OGRA and the relevant LPG companies to submit detailed replies and ordered that the collection of the additional premium remain suspended until the next hearing. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)