Why is my Gas Bill High in Summer? (The Fixed Charge Trap)
It is June. It is 45°C outside. You haven't turned on your gas heater in months. Your geyser is off. You barely cooked anything. Yet, the bill arrives, and it is Rs. 2,000. How is this possible?
This is the most common complaint among SNGPL and SSGC consumers. The answer lies in a hidden mechanism called the "12-Month Lock" and the Fixed Monthly Charges.
The Myth of "Pay for what you use"
In the past, if you didn't use gas, your bill was negligible (just meter rent). That changed with the FY 2024-25 and 2025-26 tariff updates. Now, a significant portion of your bill is a Fixed Charge that has nothing to do with how many units you consumed this month.
The Rs. 3,000 Trap
If you were classified as a Non-Protected Consumer based on your consumption last winter (Nov-Feb), you are legally required to pay a high fixed charge every single month of the year. Learn more about the 0.9 hm³ Protected Status rules here.
Non-Protected Fixed Charges (2026):
- If winter avg was > 0.9 hm³: Rs. 1,500 / month
- If winter avg was > 1.5 hm³: Rs. 3,000 / month
This means even if your meter reading is ZERO in July, SNGPL/SSGC will still charge you Rs. 1,500 or Rs. 3,000 plus taxes. You are paying for the "privilege" of having a connection, based on your heavy usage last winter.
Real Life Scenario
Mr. Ahmed's Mistake:
In January, Mr. Ahmed ran two gas heaters 24/7. His consumption spiked to 1.6 hm³. He paid the bill and forgot about it.
The Consequence:
Because of that one heavy month, his winter average crossed the 1.5 hm³ limit. He was categorized as "High Consumption Non-Protected".
The Summer Bill:
In August, Mr. Ahmed used 0.1 hm³ (just cooking).
Gas Cost: Rs. 100
Fixed Charge: Rs. 3,000
Total Bill: Rs. 3,100+
Want to avoid Mr. Ahmed's mistake?
Use our calculator to simulate your winter usage and see if you are safe.
Open Bill EstimatorWhat can you do?
You cannot reduce the fixed charge for the current year. However, you can save yourself for next year.
When November starts, monitor your gas usage closely. Ensure your monthly average stays below 0.9 hm³. If you succeed, your fixed charge for the following year will drop to the Protected rate of Rs. 600.
High Bill Troubleshooting Guide
If you believe your summer gas bill is unusually high even after accounting for the Non-Protected Fixed Charges, follow these steps:
- Check for Gas Leaks: A hidden leak in your pipes or appliances can slowly increase your reading. If you smell gas, call 1199 immediately.
- Compare Meter Readings: Go to your physical gas meter and verify if the "Present Reading" on your bill matches the actual numbers on the dial. Sometimes, estimated readings lead to overbilling.
- Check Appliance Efficiency: Old geysers with pilot lights left running all summer consume a surprising amount of gas. Turn them off completely.
- File a Complaint: If you suspect a faulty meter or an incorrect reading, contact SNGPL/SSGC customer service or visit your regional office to request a meter inspection.
Common Questions about Summer Bills
Can I disconnect my meter in summer to avoid charges?
Yes, you can apply for a temporary disconnection, but it is rarely worth it. The reconnection fee and the hassle of getting a meter re-installed often cost more than the fixed charges you are trying to save. Plus, you risk losing your "Seniority" or facing delays in reconnection due to gas shortages.
What is "Meter Rent" vs "Fixed Charge"?
Meter Rent is a small rental fee for the device itself (usually Rs. 40).Fixed Charge (Rs. 600 - Rs. 3000) is a capacity charge introduced by OGRA to cover the infrastructure cost of delivering gas to your home, regardless of whether you use it or not.
Is GST applied to the Fixed Charge?
Yes. The 18% General Sales Tax (GST) is applied to the Total Amount, which includes the Fixed Charge. So, if your fixed charge is Rs. 3,000, you will pay an additional ~Rs. 540 in tax, making the total "Zero Usage" bill roughly Rs. 3,540.
Will these rates go down in 2027?
It is unlikely. As part of IMF conditions and the circular debt management plan, the government has moved towards ending gas subsidies. The trend indicates that fixed charges are likely to stay or increase to discourage natural gas usage and promote alternatives.