Avoiding CNG price revision to result in closure of many filling stations: Ghiyas Paracha

Lahore: The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Wednesday demanded 12-hour has supply for five days a week during the holy month of Ramadan to reduce the suffering of the masses.

People cannot wait in line for hours to get fuel while fasting which has necessitated such a decision to provide relief to masses, it said.

The situation of water has improved in the rivers improving hydel power generation therefore petroleum ministry should fulfil its promise to allow CNG outlets to commence five day operations from 5 am to 5 pm, said Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA.

He said that all the sectors have been allowed to work for seven days a week while CNG sector has been pushed to operate for two days a week which is destroying the sector providing employment to hundreds of thousands of people and affordable transportation to millions.

Ghiyas Paracha said that government should announce new CNG retail price after considering new taxes, electricity bills and other expanses otherwise it would be difficult to keep business running after July 01.

Cost of doing business has increased substantially after budget which will result in closure of many CNG stations leaving many unemployed which large section of masses deprived, he warned.

Demanding an enabling environment, the leader of the CNG sector said that new taxes, power tariff  and hike in GIDC will still keep CNG economical as compare to petrol providing relief to masses and reducing oil import bill as well as pollution.