The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Friday recommended a hike in gas prices by up to 47% for the next fiscal year. Quoting OGRA spokesperson, a private TV channel reported that the gas utility companies – Sui Northern Gas Company Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) – have suggested a rise in gas prices by 144% and 30% respectively. In view of the petitions, OGRA has determined a 47% increase for the consumers of SNGPL and 27% for those of the SSGC, said the spokesperson. The tariff increase, however, is subject to approval by the federal government. While Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fall in the ambit of SNGPL, Sindh and Balochistan come under the SSGC. Last year in September, the government notified up to 143% increase in prices of natural gas sold by public utilities to different types of retail consumers.