ISLAMABAD- In violation of Ogra Ordinance and consumer rights, SNGPL and SSGCL have illegally overcharged the natural gas consumers in monthly bills that enormously cost them roughly Rs 18 billion, it is learnt. Natural gas distribution companies of the country have fetched a hefty amount worth Rs 18 billion against over-billing from consumers, well informed sources said, adding that taking notice of the unlawful collection of billions of rupees, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has now taken notice in this regard. It was learnt that All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) in its written letter to Ogra has asked about the illegal over-billing to the natural gas consumers while Ogra has also sought a written reply from both Sui Northern Gas Company Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL). "APCNGA in its letter has asked that both utilities have illegally overcharged the consumers in monthly gas bills which is not only against the Ogra Ordinance but also is the sheer violation of consumer rights," sources said on Thursday. It is testimony of the fact that the sole responsibility of the regulator is to protect the rights of consumers but in case of the Ogra it seems otherwise as both utilities so far successfully fetched Rs18billions hefty amount from the hard-pressed consumers of natural gas in the country. Further, Ogra while increasing the tariff rate on August 7, 2011, issued a notification of the imposition of Rs 13.55 in a bid to jack up the tariff ratio of both utilities. However, both SNGPL and SSGCL blatantly violating prescribed rules and regulations in this regard have illegally overcharged the gas consumers by inflicting an increase of Rs 13.55 in tariff from July this year though both utilities can collect the tariff from consumers right from the date of issuance if the notification, sources privy to the development revealed, adding, that both utilities also have a system under which both can collect increased bills from their consumers according to the date of issuance of notification. Sources have further informed that Ogra, after getting written reply from the both SNGPL and SSGCL, is expected to provide relief to the natural gas consumers in next month against this illegal collection worth in billion of rupees by adjusting this massive sum in upcoming monthly sui gas bills not. Further, they were of the opinion that Ogra is likely to take stern actions against both utilities particularly imposition of colossal fines/penalties to them as CNG association has submitted relevant necessary documentary proves of over billings allegedly committed by both SNGPL and SSGCL. Economic pundits when contacted left this impression that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has left no stone unturned so far only to hide accumulated losses that soared due to slack response, inefficiency and deep slumber of both the gas distributing companies and particularly the Regulator in this regards. "Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources decided to slap the consumers by directing Ogra to raise gas prices by 13.55 per cent in a bid to cover the growing losses of gas utilities (SSGPL, SSGC) under the head of Unaccounted for Gas (UfG)," sources said, adding that questions that where were Ogra when both utilities were busy in this awful adventure of massive loot? Is the regulator would set an example out of routine or tradition of imposition of small penalties against blatant violation of the Ogra Ordinance? Who would awake the Ogra from its deep slumber as a long time has been consumed till this effect where the over burdened consumers have to bear the brunt of SNGPL and SSGCL the Ogra as well?