ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) has launched a nationwide protest against the government’s decision to discontinue gas supply to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) sector, lamenting that the move is illegal.
The protest began with a sit-in of the APCNGA and Sindh CNG Association outside Sui Southern Gas Company’s (SSGC) office on Wednesday, and will be extended to Punjab according to the association’s plan.
Speaking on the occasion, APCNGA Group Leader Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said that a few elements are giving wrong information to the federal cabinet which is resulting in erroneous decisions, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs and investments worth billions at stake.
He urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to take note of the situation and intervene to provide relief to both the masses and investors.
Paracha said that the decision to discontinue gas supply to CNG stations was illegal as the priority list of various gas consuming sectors was ignored. “According to the national gas policy, the CNG sector has been placed at the fourth position while the CNG sector has been placed at the second position in the LNG policy,” he said.
He added that the CNG sector is ranked second in the LNG policy because it pays the highest price for gas along with the highest taxes, yet the Cabinet is taking decisions against the gas distribution scheme.
“The sector which pays the most for gas has been shut down while the sectors which pay less are being given priority. At the moment, expensive gas is being bought and sold cheaply to favorite sectors which is surprising because it is causing a huge financial loss to the government,” said Ghiyas Paracha.
Separately, Punjab Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht assured the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) that the matter of gas supply will be brought to a logical conclusion soon.
The minister said this during a meeting with a delegation of the textile association, said a statement issued on Wednesday.
“Industrial development and revival of exports is our top priority,” he said. With the increase in demand for gas in the winter season, domestic consumers are being given priority in view of complaints of shortage of supply. “However, we have the right to protest against discrimination against Punjab in supply of gas to industries,” he added.
“Matters on supply of gas at uniform rate with improvement in supply from the federation will be discussed on the respective platforms,” he assured the delegation.
