More gas stolen daily than consumed by CNG sector

Lahore: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Friday said that government is pushing policy to rob poor to reward nobility.

Top government functionaries are involved in conspiracy to deprive masses of economical fuel and force them to consume costly alternative, it said. Revenue generated from CNG sector through 11 taxes is being used to subsidise influential fertilizer and power sectors, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He said that top politicians of country have invested in influential sectors which are getting unjust exemptions, tax breaks, subsidies and cheap gas.Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that the volume of gas stolen daily is much more than that consumed by the CNG sector. The major portion of stolen gas is consumed by some sectors including steel industry, he added. Line losses of the gas systems are not what masses are told which can be verified by independent auditors.He said that Petroleum Ministry and Ogra are dancing on the tune of oil mafia who have reduced CNG prices to an extent which is impossible to maintain. The move was aimed at creating another crisis and boost sale of petroleum products.Destroying CNG sector will also destroy investments to the tune of billions, hurt 3.7 million converted vehicles while effect almost one million people related to CNG sector.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that repeated warnings about gas crisis by top officials indicates that government has no plan to import natural gas from Iran or Turkmenistan; rather it wants to promote LPG and PNG mafias.The President PEW asked Chief Justice to take note of the conspiracies against affordable fuel and foil collusion against the masses.