KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has issued notices to the federal government and others on a petition against the increase in gas prices supplied to the textile industry by the caretaker government, while also suspending the notification of increase in gas prices.
A hearing was held in the High Court on a petition against the increase in gas prices supplied to the textile industry by the caretaker government.
The petitioner’s counsel submitted that the SSGC has increased the prices of natural gas supplied to the textile industry on November 8, 2023. The caretaker government has no power to increase gas prices.
The court remarked that the textile industries should submit additional bills to the Sindh High Court. The injunction is for those industries who will deposit the additional amount with the Superintendent Sindh High Court within 7 days, if the additional amount of 2 gas bills is not deposited with the Superintendent Sindh High Court, the injunction will expire.
The court remarked that until the petitions are decided, the additional amount of the bills will remain deposited with the Sindh High Court. Applicants continue to pay regular bills as per pre-increase gas tariff.
The court also suspended the notification issued by the SSGC regarding the hike in gas prices. The court remarked that the suspension of gas price notification would apply only to the petitioners.
The High Court issued a notice to the other parties including the federal government and sought their response at the next hearing.
