Pakistanis love their chai, but a recent audit has raised eyebrows over how much state-owned gas companies are spending on tea and other perks. A parliamentary audit review has revealed that Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) spent about Rs 115.6 million (Rs 11.56 crore) on tea, coffee, club memberships, subscriptions, and refreshments.
The findings were discussed in a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Sub-Committee-II. The expenses, mostly from 2018, were recorded as human resources (HR) costs. These costs were then recovered through higher gas tariffs paid by consumers.
Audit officials argued that such non-operational expenses, like executive club memberships should not be passed on to the public. They said these should come from company profits instead. PAC convener Syed Naveed Qamar questioned the high spending, asking, “What kind of tea and coffee costs so much?”
SNGPL officials defended the spending. They said the benefits were approved under the company’s board rules and HR manual. They also noted that employees now pay nearly 50% of the cost for tea and coffee.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has taken action. Since 2021, it has stopped including club memberships, subscriptions, and similar non-essential costs in tariff calculations.
This case has sparked debate on how public money is used by state companies. While small perks help staff, critics say they should not add to the burden on ordinary gas consumers already facing rising bills. The PAC settled the audit objection after discussions.
