Lost your SNGPL gas bill? Need a copy to make a payment or settle a billing dispute? As an SNGPL consumer in Faisalabad, you have multiple official channels to download or obtain a duplicate gas bill within minutes — no need to visit the SNGPL office unless you prefer in-person service.
A duplicate SNGPL bill is an official reprint of your gas billing statement. It contains identical information to your original printed bill: consumer number, meter readings, HHM consumed, slab-wise charges, GIDC, GST, total amount due, and the payment due date. A duplicate bill is equally valid for payment at any bank, ATM, Easypaisa, or JazzCash.
Faisalabad consumers across Susan Road, Peoples Colony, Gulshan Ravi, Samanabad regularly download duplicate bills because bills are delivered by SNGPL post and sometimes get lost, damaged, or simply never arrive. Digital delivery via the SNGPL portal and mobile app eliminates this problem entirely. This guide walks you through every available method, with complete guidance on visiting the SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad to obtain a physical duplicate bill.
Table of Contents
- 1Getting a Certified SNGPL Duplicate Bill at SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad
- 2Why You Might Need a Duplicate SNGPL Bill in Faisalabad
- 3Method 1: Download SNGPL Duplicate Bill via Official Portal
- 4Method 2: Download via SNGPL Mobile App
- 5Method 3: SNGPL WhatsApp Duplicate Bill Service
- 6Method 4: SMS-Based Bill Inquiry for Faisalabad
- 7Method 5: In-Person Duplicate Bill at SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad
- 8Understanding Your SNGPL Faisalabad Duplicate Bill
- 9Legal Validity and Acceptance of SNGPL Duplicate Bills in Faisalabad
- 10Bill Archiving Best Practices for Faisalabad SNGPL Consumers
- 11Common SNGPL Duplicate Bill Mistakes Made by Faisalabad Consumers
- 12Quick Step-by-Step Summary
- 13Summary
- 14Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a Certified SNGPL Duplicate Bill at SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad
While digital duplicate bills from the portal and app are sufficient for most purposes, certain situations in Faisalabad require a physically stamped and certified copy issued directly by SNGPL. These include submissions to courts, government departments, foreign embassy visa applications, bank loan processing, and legal disputes where a digitally downloaded PDF may not be accepted without an official SNGPL stamp.
Visit details: the SNGPL service center handling Faisalabad accounts is located at SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Saturday and Sunday are non-working days. Government and SNGPL public holidays also apply, so it is advisable to call 1199 to confirm operational hours before making a dedicated trip.
What to bring: your original CNIC (not a photocopy), your consumer number (written down or saved on your phone), and in some cases your previous bill (to help the counter staff locate your account quickly). If you are a tenant requesting a bill for a connection registered in the landlord's name, bring a copy of your tenancy agreement and a written authorization from the account holder, as the certified copy is technically the landlord's document.
The process at the counter: join the billing inquiry or customer service queue (separate queues may exist for different services — check the signage or ask security staff). When your turn comes, state that you need a certified duplicate bill and provide your consumer number. The staff member will locate your account, print the bill, and apply the official SNGPL stamp. A nominal printing fee (typically Rs. 50–200) may be charged. The entire process usually takes 15–30 minutes, though wait times may be longer on busy days.
For bills older than 12 months: older bills are not immediately available at the counter. You will need to submit a written application specifying the billing period required. The billing department processes archive requests separately, usually within 3–5 working days. You will be notified when the certified copies are ready for collection.
Why You Might Need a Duplicate SNGPL Bill in Faisalabad
There are several legitimate reasons Faisalabad consumers need duplicate SNGPL gas bills:
Lost or Damaged Original Bill: Physical bills get misplaced, damaged by moisture, or accidentally discarded. A duplicate resolves this immediately.
Never Received the Bill: SNGPL sends bills through postal delivery, which can be unreliable in some areas of Faisalabad, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods or new housing schemes.
Bank or Lease Requirements: Some banks and landlords in Faisalabad require recent utility bills as proof of address. Your SNGPL gas bill is an accepted form of address verification.
Payment at Different Channels: If you want to pay at a bank branch or ATM but don't have your physical bill, a printed duplicate from the portal serves the same purpose.
Billing Dispute Evidence: If you are disputing a bill amount with SNGPL or at SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad, having the official bill document — including the specific readings and charges — is essential.
Tax or Audit Records: Businesses in Faisalabad may need gas bills for tax filing or auditing purposes. SNGPL portal allows downloading up to 12 months of previous bills.
Method 1: Download SNGPL Duplicate Bill via Official Portal
The official SNGPL bill portal at sngpl.com.pk is the primary and most reliable source for duplicate bills for Faisalabad consumers.
Step 1: Open the Portal
Open sngpl.com.pk in any web browser on your phone, tablet, or computer. The site works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and all standard browsers.
Step 2: Enter Consumer Number
Type your 10–13 digit SNGPL consumer number in the search field. The number is printed on any previous bill or your meter card. Do not include spaces or special characters.
Step 3: View Bill
Click "Get Bill" or the search button. Your bill details for the most recent billing period will appear, showing meter readings, units consumed, a detailed charge breakdown, and the total payable amount.
Step 4: Download PDF
Look for the "Download PDF," "Print Bill," or "Get Duplicate" button on the results page. Clicking this generates an official PDF of your duplicate bill that you can save to your device, send via WhatsApp or email, or print for bank payment.
Previous Month Bills
The portal primarily shows the most recent bill. For previous months, use the SNGPL Consumer mobile app (described in Method 2 below), which stores 12 months of billing history for Faisalabad accounts.
Method 2: Download via SNGPL Mobile App
The SNGPL mobile app offers the most complete duplicate bill experience for Faisalabad consumers, including access to 12 months of historical bills.
Download: Available on Google Play Store (search "SNGPL Consumer") for Android phones and Apple App Store for iPhone/iPad.
Registration: Open the app, tap "Register New Consumer," enter your consumer number, and verify your mobile number via OTP. Once registered, your Faisalabad account is linked permanently.
Viewing Bills: The home screen shows your current bill. Tap "Bill History" or "My Bills" to see previous months. Each bill entry has a "Download" or "PDF" button to save the duplicate to your phone's storage.
Advantages: The app works offline for recently cached bills, sends push notifications when new bills are generated, and allows multiple consumer numbers if you manage several connections in Faisalabad or elsewhere. The SNGPL app also supports direct payment integration with some bank wallets.
Method 3: SNGPL WhatsApp Duplicate Bill Service
For Faisalabad consumers comfortable with WhatsApp, SNGPL offers a convenient automated service:
Save the Official Number: Visit sngpl.com.pk to find the current official SNGPL WhatsApp service number. Save it to your contacts.
Send Your consumer number: Open a WhatsApp chat with the saved number and type your 10–13 digit consumer number and send it.
Receive Bill Details: Within seconds, SNGPL's automated system responds with your bill summary — amount due, billing period, meter readings, and payment due date. Some versions of the service also include a link to download your bill.
Limitations: The WhatsApp service provides the current month's bill only. It works best for quick amount checks rather than archiving or formal duplicate bill printing. Always ensure you are messaging SNGPL's official verified WhatsApp number.
Method 4: SMS-Based Bill Inquiry for Faisalabad
For consumers in Faisalabad who do not have smartphones or reliable internet access, SNGPL's SMS service provides basic bill information:
How to Use: Send your consumer number as an SMS to the SNGPL designated short code (available on sngpl.com.pk). No need for internet — standard cellular SMS service is sufficient.
Information Received: You will receive an SMS with your bill amount, billing month, and due date. The SMS does not provide the full breakdown (slab-wise calculation, GIDC, GST) or a downloadable PDF — it is a quick summary only.
When to Use This Method: SMS service is ideal for quick "how much do I owe?" queries on the go, particularly if you are away from WiFi or have limited data. For the full duplicate bill PDF, use the portal or mobile app instead.
Method 5: In-Person Duplicate Bill at SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad
If you prefer or require a physically certified duplicate bill, visit SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad during working hours (Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM).
What to Bring: Your CNIC (original) and, if possible, your consumer number (though the office can look up by address and CNIC).
Process: Approach the customer service counter and request a duplicate bill. The SNGPL representative will print an official duplicate from their system. Some centers may charge a nominal fee for physical duplicate bill printing — confirm at the counter.
Advantage of Office Visit: The physically printed duplicate bill from the SNGPL office carries an official stamp and is the most widely accepted form for legal, banking, or documentation purposes in Faisalabad. If you need a certified copy for a court proceeding, bank account opening, or visa application, this is the recommended method.
Understanding Your SNGPL Faisalabad Duplicate Bill
When you download or print your SNGPL duplicate bill, here is what each section means:
Bill Header: Shows the SNGPL logo, billing date, billing period (from/to dates), and the bill type. Duplicate bills are marked "Duplicate" in the header.
Consumer Information: consumer number, account name, connection address (Faisalabad), connection type (domestic/commercial), and distribution circle.
Meter Information: Previous reading, current reading, reading date, meter number, and HHM consumed (difference between readings).
Charge Breakdown: Fixed charges, variable consumption charges (calculated per OGRA slab), GIDC (10%), and GST (17%). Each is shown separately so you can verify the calculation.
Arrears/Adjustments: Any unpaid balance from previous months or credit adjustments are listed here.
Total Payable: The sum of all charges minus any credits. This is the amount you need to pay by the due date.
Payment Slip: The lower portion of the bill is the payment slip used at bank branches and ATMs. It includes a barcode or 17-digit payment reference number.
Legal Validity and Acceptance of SNGPL Duplicate Bills in Faisalabad
A common concern among Faisalabad consumers is whether a duplicate bill printed from the SNGPL portal or mobile app carries the same legal and practical validity as the original posted bill. The answer is unequivocal: yes, duplicate bills are fully valid for all purposes.
For payment purposes, banks, ATMs, Easypaisa, JazzCash, SNGPL franchise outlets, and bank branch counters all accept duplicate bills — printed from the portal, downloaded from the app, or obtained from an SNGPL SDC. The payment is processed using the consumer number and bill reference information contained in the duplicate, identical to how the original is processed. There is no difference in processing speed or confirmation timeline between paying with an original versus a duplicate bill.
For address verification, duplicate SNGPL bills are accepted by: (1) Pakistani commercial banks for account opening and KYC updates, (2) NADRA for CNIC renewal applications requiring address proof, (3) Federal Board of Revenue for NTN registration, (4) Visa and consulate applications requiring utility bills as address proof — this includes UK, Schengen, USA, Australia, Canada, and other major visa-issuing embassies in Pakistan. A note on physical duplicate bills: for formal legal or government submissions where an officially stamped document may be preferred, obtaining a physically printed and stamped duplicate from SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad provides the highest level of documentary credibility, particularly in cases where a certifying officer may question a home-printed PDF.
For court proceedings or formal dispute documentation, the stamped office copy is recommended. For all other everyday purposes — bank payments, address verification for private transactions, record-keeping — a PDF downloaded from the portal or app is entirely sufficient.
Bill Archiving Best Practices for Faisalabad SNGPL Consumers
Maintaining proper records of your SNGPL gas bills is an important consumer practice that protects you in billing disputes, provides address proof when needed, and helps you track your consumption patterns over time. Here are best practices specific to Faisalabad consumers:
Digital Archiving (Recommended): Use the SNGPL mobile app to download your bill as a PDF immediately upon generation (you receive a push notification). Create a dedicated folder on your phone or cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) labeled "SNGPL Bills" with subfolders by year. Store each bill as "SNGPL-[Month]-[Year]-[ConsumerNo].pdf" for easy retrieval. Keep at least 24 months of bills in your archive — this covers the typical period for disputes, tax assessments, and visa applications.
Email Archiving: If you have registered for SNGPL's e-billing service, bills arrive in your email inbox and are automatically archived in your email history. Search "SNGPL" or "gas bill" in your email at any time to retrieve historical bills. Ensure you do not delete these emails, and set up email backup if you use a service that may delete old messages.
Physical Archiving: If you receive physical bills and want to maintain paper records, store the last 12 months of bills in a labeled folder in a dry, safe location. For long-term storage, scan bills as PDFs using your phone camera (multiple scanner apps are available free on both Android and iOS) and archive digitally.
Retention Timeline: Retain bills for at minimum 2 years for personal reference and dispute protection. For properties involved in rental agreements, retain bills for the duration of the tenancy plus 1 year. For commercial connections in Faisalabad, retain bills for 6 years (consistent with tax record retention requirements under Pakistan tax law). For property sales and transfers, retain the final bill and transfer documentation indefinitely.
What to Check Each Month: When you receive or download a new bill, immediately verify: (1) consumer number is correct, (2) billing address matches your connection address, (3) meter readings are plausible (not dramatically higher or lower than last month), (4) amount due is within your expected range. Flag anything unusual immediately — disputes are most effectively resolved when raised within the same billing cycle.
Common SNGPL Duplicate Bill Mistakes Made by Faisalabad Consumers
Getting a duplicate SNGPL bill should be a two-minute task. These mistakes unnecessarily complicate the process for Faisalabad consumers.
Mistake 1: Visiting SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad for a bill that is available online. The current month's duplicate bill is downloadable at sngpl.com.pk in under two minutes — for free, 24/7. Many consumers waste half a day visiting the office for something they could get on their phone. Only visit for certified copies, bills older than 12 months, or legally stamped documents.
Mistake 2: Using the browser history link for repeated downloads. The portal generates a fresh bill each time based on the current database. Bookmarking the results page URL (with your consumer number in the URL) may not work reliably. Bookmark the homepage and re-enter your consumer number each time for a fresh, current bill.
Mistake 3: Printing bills with "Print to PDF" from desktop apps instead of the browser PDF download. Some word processor print-to-PDF functions create a visually distorted version. Always use your browser's built-in Save as PDF or the portal's "Download PDF" button for a clean, institution-ready copy.
Mistake 4: download your bill thinking it is this month's. The portal only shows the most recently generated bill. If the new bill has not yet been generated for this month, the previous month's bill appears. Check the billing period on the bill header carefully before using it for any institutional submission.
Mistake 5: Not enabling bill history in the SNGPL app. If you have not registered on the SNGPL app, you have no access to previous months' bills other than visiting SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad. Register on the app now — it builds your 12-month history going forward, saving future trips for archive requests.
Mistake 6: Accepting a photocopy of a bill from a landlord instead of downloading a fresh copy. A photocopy of a physical bill may be old, faded, or altered. Always download a fresh, official duplicate from the portal for any submission — it is newer, clearer, and unquestionably official.
Quick Step-by-Step Summary
- 1Locate Your Consumer Number
Find your 10–13 digit SNGPL consumer number on any previous bill or your meter card near your gas meter.
- 2Visit SNGPL Bill Portal
Go to sngpl.com.pk in any web browser.
- 3Enter Consumer Number
Type your consumer number in the search field and click "Get Bill."
- 4Download PDF
Click the "Download PDF" or "Print Bill" button to save your official duplicate bill.
- 5Pay or Archive
Use the PDF to pay at a bank, franchise, Easypaisa, or JazzCash — or save it for record-keeping.
Summary
Getting your SNGPL duplicate bill in Faisalabad takes less than a minute through digital channels. The official portal at sngpl.com.pk is the fastest option, while the SNGPL mobile app provides the added benefit of bill history access. For formal documentation, the SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad provides physically stamped copies. Whichever method you use, your duplicate bill is official, valid, and ready for payment or submission as address proof.
Frequently Asked Questions — SNGPL Faisalabad
What are the SNGPL office hours in Faisalabad for duplicate bill requests?▾
SNGPL offices in Faisalabad operate Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays are non-working days. The specific office address for Faisalabad is SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad. Call 1199 to confirm if hours have changed before making a dedicated visit.
Can a family member collect a certified SNGPL duplicate bill on my behalf in Faisalabad?▾
Yes. A family member can collect a certified bill on your behalf if they bring: your original CNIC copy, a written authorization letter signed by you (the account holder), and their own original CNIC. The SNGPL counter may require this authorization for certified copies but usually allows simple information requests for family members.
How much does a certified SNGPL duplicate bill cost at SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad?▾
SNGPL typically charges a nominal printing fee of Rs. 50–200 for counter-issued certified bills. This varies by office. For bills older than 12 months requiring archive retrieval, there may be an additional archive fee. Confirm the current fee by calling 1199 before visiting.
What is the waiting time at SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad for a duplicate bill?▾
During off-peak hours (Tuesday–Thursday, mid-morning), waiting time for a simple duplicate bill is typically 15–30 minutes. On Mondays or around bill due dates, queues are longer — 45 minutes to 2 hours. Arriving before 10 AM tends to minimize wait time.
Can I get a certified SNGPL bill for a specific previous month at the Faisalabad office?▾
Yes. Specify the billing month when you arrive at the counter. For bills within the last 12 months, the staff can print and stamp the copy immediately. For bills older than 12 months, you must submit a written archive request — the retrieval takes 3–5 working days and you will be called when it is ready.
What if SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad is closed when I urgently need a duplicate bill?▾
For urgent situations when the office is closed, use the portal or app to download a digital PDF — this is accepted by all banks and most institutions. For court submissions requiring a physical stamp, you will need to wait for the office to reopen. The 1199 helpline (24/7) can advise on the nearest open SNGPL service center.
How can I download my SNGPL duplicate bill in Faisalabad?▾
Visit sngpl.com.pk, enter your consumer number (10–13 digits), and click "Get Bill." On the results page, click "Download PDF" to get your official duplicate bill. Alternatively, use the SNGPL Consumer mobile app to download current or previous bills.
Is a duplicate SNGPL bill valid for bank payment?▾
Yes, a duplicate SNGPL bill — whether downloaded from the portal, generated via the app, or printed at the SNGPL office — is equally valid for payment at any bank branch, ATM, Easypaisa, JazzCash, or SNGPL franchise. Banks and payment channels scan the barcode or use the consumer number from the duplicate bill.
Can I get a duplicate bill for previous months in Faisalabad?▾
Yes. The SNGPL Consumer mobile app stores up to 12 months of billing history. For older bills, visit SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad in person. The official portal (sngpl.com.pk) typically shows only the most recent bill.
How long does it take to download an SNGPL duplicate bill online?▾
Downloading a duplicate bill from sngpl.com.pk takes under a minute — just enter your consumer number and click download. The PDF generates instantly. The SNGPL mobile app is similarly fast. There is no waiting period for online duplicate bills.
Is there a fee for downloading a duplicate SNGPL bill online?▾
No. Downloading your duplicate SNGPL bill from the official portal or mobile app is completely free. The SNGPL physical office may charge a nominal printing fee for physically stamped copies. Online downloads have no charge.
What if my bill is not available on the SNGPL portal?▾
If your bill does not appear on sngpl.com.pk, it may not have been generated yet (bills are typically generated between the 1st and 10th of each month), or there may be a system issue. Try again the next day or call SNGPL helpline 1199. The mobile app sometimes has better availability during portal downtime.
Can I use a WhatsApp duplicate bill to pay at a bank branch?▾
The information received via WhatsApp (amount and consumer number) is sufficient for payment through Easypaisa, JazzCash, or internet banking. For bank branch counter payment, you may need a printed duplicate with the payment slip barcode — download the PDF from sngpl.com.pk for this purpose.
My SNGPL bill was lost and due date has passed. What should I do?▾
Download a duplicate immediately from sngpl.com.pk and pay as soon as possible. A 10% late surcharge will be added to your next bill for late payment, but immediate payment after obtaining the duplicate bill stops further penalties. Call SNGPL helpline 1199 if you need a due date extension.
How do I get an SNGPL duplicate bill for a different address in Faisalabad?▾
If you own or manage multiple gas connections in Faisalabad, each has a unique consumer number. Enter the specific consumer number for the address you need the duplicate bill for. The portal and app support multiple consumer numbers.
Can I share my SNGPL duplicate bill via WhatsApp or email?▾
Yes. The PDF downloaded from the portal or app can be shared via WhatsApp, email, or any messaging platform. This is useful for landlords sharing bills with tenants or when submitting a utility bill as address proof.
What does "duplicate" mean on an SNGPL bill?▾
"Duplicate" simply indicates that the bill is a reprint or digital copy of the original. It contains identical information and is equally valid for all purposes — there is no difference in legal status or validity between an original and a duplicate SNGPL bill.
How do I find my consumer number if I need a duplicate but have no bills?▾
Call SNGPL helpline 1199 with your CNIC and connection address in Faisalabad. They can verify your identity and provide your consumer number, after which you can download your duplicate bill online. Alternatively, visit SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad in person.
Can I get a duplicate bill for a commercial SNGPL connection in Faisalabad?▾
Yes. The same process applies for commercial connections. Enter the commercial consumer number on sngpl.com.pk or the SNGPL mobile app. Note that commercial bills have different tariff rates from domestic bills.
Is the SNGPL portal secure for downloading duplicate bills?▾
Yes. sngpl.com.pk uses HTTPS encryption. The portal only requires your consumer number (which is already printed on your public utility bill) — it does not ask for CNIC, passwords, or banking details. Your billing data is displayed securely.
What if the download button on the SNGPL portal is not working?▾
Try a different browser (Chrome or Firefox are recommended), clear your browser cache, or use the SNGPL mobile app instead. If the portal itself is down, wait a few hours and try again. The SNGPL helpline 1199 can also email your bill if you request it through the portal's contact mechanism.
Can a duplicate SNGPL bill be used for bank account opening in Faisalabad?▾
Yes. Pakistani commercial banks accept SNGPL duplicate bills (whether portal PDF or office-printed) as valid address proof for account opening, account upgrading, and KYC verification. The bill must show your name and current address. Banks typically require the bill to be from the last 3 months. Some banks may prefer a physically stamped copy from the SNGPL office for stricter KYC requirements — confirm with your specific bank.
How do I get an SNGPL bill for a property where I am a tenant, not the owner?▾
If the gas connection is in the landlord's name and you need a bill for address proof, ask your landlord for the consumer number. Download the bill from sngpl.com.pk using that consumer number. Note that your name will not appear on the bill (the owner's name is shown). For formal address proof, you may need to pair the utility bill with your tenancy agreement. Some institutions accept this combination for address verification.
My SNGPL bill shows the wrong address. How do I correct it?▾
Visit SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad with your CNIC, the consumer number, ownership documents (if you own the property), and a written correction request. Address corrections are processed within 3–5 working days and reflect on the next generated bill. If you need a corrected bill urgently for documentation purposes, request a manual letter from the SDC confirming the correct address alongside your consumer number.
Can I get a certified copy of my SNGPL bill for legal proceedings?▾
Yes. Visit SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad with your consumer number and CNIC, and request a "certified duplicate bill" for a specific period. The SDC staff will print the bill and stamp it with the official SNGPL seal. This certified copy carries the same legal weight as the original and is accepted in court proceedings and official legal documentation.
How many months of SNGPL bill history can I access online?▾
The SNGPL Consumer mobile app typically provides access to the last 12 months of billing history. The web portal (sngpl.com.pk) may show only the current or most recent bill. For bills older than 12 months, contact SNGPL SDC, Susan Road, Faisalabad — SNGPL's internal system maintains records for several years and can retrieve older bills upon formal request.
Is a screenshot of the SNGPL portal valid as a duplicate bill?▾
A screenshot may be sufficient for informal purposes (quick reference, WhatsApp sharing), but for formal documentation (bank, visa, legal), a proper PDF download from sngpl.com.pk or the SNGPL app is strongly preferred. Screenshots can be edited and are not accepted as official documents by most formal institutions in Faisalabad.
Can I get duplicate bills for all my Faisalabad SNGPL connections in one request?▾
Each consumer number must be queried separately — there is no batch download feature for multiple connections. However, the SNGPL mobile app allows switching between saved consumer numbers quickly, making sequential bill downloads faster. If you manage many connections, downloading from the app one by one is the most efficient approach.