PC for bringing CNG prices at par with other fuels

ISLAMABAD: The Planning Commission has recommended to the government to bring compressed natural gas (CNG) prices at par with other fuels, to rationalise its use, official sources told Business Recorder.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet had sought complete ban on import of CNG cars and buses due to shortage of gas in the country. The committee had also observed that the country was losing Rs 10 to 15 billion per annum to use of single-axle trucks. The amount should be saved by adopting remedial measures, it said.

However, a committee on 'rationalising the prices of locally manufactured cars/vehicles', headed by the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission, Dr. Nadeem ul-Haq, has argued that CNG cars and buses must be treated separately, suggesting that there is a need to sharply increase tariff on CNG kits for cars.

The Committee further stated that dedicated CNG buses for public transport may be considered to be allowed, as suggested by the Petroleum Minister, Dr. Asim Hussain, who is on record as having stated that CNG should be provided through dedicated CNG stations. To this end, an already approved project for CNG dedicated buses, sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, can become operational, if CNG is allowed.

Certain dedicated CNG buses imported by some private investors, lying at KPT and waiting for clearance of Customs due to settlement of original equipment manufacturing (OEM) issue could also be allowed for public transport, in case CNG is available.

The committee observed that damage to roads in not caused by single-axle trucks but by overloading of trucks.

The Planning Commission maintains that to prevent overloading of trucks weight may be specified for an axle. Then weighbridges should be installed alongside roads at different sites and weight checking of trucks should be done regularly at these sites.

"If overloaded, heavy fines should be imposed on trucks. This will oblige owners/drivers not to overload trucks," sources quoted Planning Commission as saying in its comments.

According to sources, a draft comprehensive transport policy has been prepared by the Ministry of Communications, which will be considered under NTC task force, headed by the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission.

Some members of the committee, however, suggested that the concept of transport policy may be broadened, subject to the consideration of the NTC task force for transport sector reforms-MUSHTAQ GHUMMAN