The government on Monday lifted ban on filling of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in public transport for 15 days keeping in view the serious problems being faced by masses. It was decided in a meeting here on Monday with Mohammed Ijaz Chaudhry, Secretary Ministry Petroleum and Natural Resources in the chair. The meeting was attended by Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) Chairman and APCNGA Chairman Ghiyas Paracha along with a delegation.
Besides, other high-ups the meeting was also attended by Chief Commissioner Islamabad Capital Territory and senior officers of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources. The Secretary Petroleum told APCNGA that the news about indefinite closure of CNG sector is baseless; however, CNG stations would remain closed as per the mutually agreed Gas Load Management Programme.
During the meeting it was decided that steps would be taken to address the concerns of the CNG sector. It was informed that there was no proposal for closure of CNG stations during January. Due to increasing cold, the demand for natural gas is rising in winter and therefore the government has to implement the Gas Load Management Programme. The Secretary Petroleum informed the participants that after February, the gas supply situation would stabilise and gas supply to CNG sector would improve.
The meeting also decided to constitute a high-powered committee comprising senior representatives of the Finance Division, Petroleum and Natural Resources Division and Ogra to look into the issue of gas pricing and submit its report within four days. It was also decided that the decision of Ogra regarding ban on filling of CNG in public transport vehicles would be suspended for 15 days and the public safety measures would be jointly monitored and ensured by OGRA and the APCNGA. The Petroleum Ministry has already communicated to provincial governments, OGRA and the APCNGA to monitor public transport vehicles containing sub-standard CNG cylinders and kits.
Secretary Petroleum said that CNG sector is an important stakeholder and it is expected that they will act responsibly in this crisis situation. Co-operation of APCNGA is imperative so that sufficient supply of gas is available for domestic consumers. He emphasised upon the APCNGA to call off their strike. Chairman APCNGA assured that CNG Association would cooperate in implementing the Gas Load Management Programme.
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