CNG outlets to remain open in Punjab seven days a week: Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources

Lahore: In a bid to salvage world’s biggest CNG industry and mitigate sufferings of masses, the federal government on Saturday announced to provide CNG to masses for seven consecutive days a week in Punjab.

Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announced this while talking to media after a seminar arranged by the All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA).

Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA, Perviaz Khattak, Central Chairman APCNGA, Chairman Ogra Saeed Ahmed Khan, MD SNGPL Arif Hameed and others were also present on the occasion.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that CNG filling stations would remain open in Punjab from 10 am to 4 pm while the duration of Sundays would be from 6am to 12 in the night from April 01. Moreover, decision to reduce the duration of gas load shedding in the province of Sindh would be announced by next week.

He said that Pakistan has the best CNG industry in the world which the government considers as an important stakeholder in the national development.

CNG sector has contributed immensely in provision of affordable transportation to millions, jobs to hundreds of thousands of people, reduction in environmental pollution and reducing oil import bill, he said.

The Federal Minister said that the recent decision would help owners of 3.5 million CNG converted vehicles while relieving millions of queues on the CNG filling stations which was part of the government’s manifesto.

Abbasi said that the gap between demand and supply of the natural gas would not have been worsened if the former governments had taken it seriously.

He informed that gas imports would start before the end of current year improving overall situation while the gap would be bridged totally within five years.

Speaking on the occasion, Ghiyas Paracha said that government has not only won hearts and minds of masses and the CNG operators but ensured a balanced between gas consuming sectors which was a herculean task.

The decision will help 80 million commuters, it will reduce fares, increase government’s income, save gas and electricity while reviving Rs 450 billion CNG industry, he observed.

The leader of the CNG sector said that CNG would be available on the outlets 24 hours a day after some time and that APCNGA would continue to cooperate with the government in the national interest.

CNG sector has no other alternative therefore it must be on the top of gas provision priority list, he demanded.

APCNGA’s Punjab Chairman Mian Shahid, APCNGA’s Sindh Chairman Shabbir Suleman, Senior Vice Chairman Brig. (retd) Iftikhar, Abid Hayat and Captain (r) Shuja were also present on the occasion.