APCNGA rejects new schedule of 72-hour monthly gas supply

The All-Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Thursday rejected the new schedule of 72 hours per month supply of natural gas to CNG outlets across Punjab and termed the move `a conspiracy to ruin the sector'. Speaking at a press conference, representatives of APCNGA alleged that a powerful lobby was behind the plan, who wanted to double the profits of private power plants by providing them the gas allocated for CNG sector, which would eventually lead to complete elimination of the world's largest CNG sector worth Rs 450 billion.
Central Chairman of the APCNGA, Pervaiz Khan Khattak, said that the new schedule announced by SSGC was also a part of the unholy plan which would be fought tooth and nail for survival of millions of families. The CNG body urged the government to increase gas supply and reduce gas loadshedding for CNG sector till July 10, otherwise the owners of CNG stations would be left with no option, but to take to streets against the decision.
Senior Vice Chairman (SVC) of APCNGA Brigadier Iftikhar, Chairman Supreme Council Ghiyas Paracha, Abid Hayat, Chaudhry Salahuddin, Ashar Aleem and other leaders were also present on the occasion.
Pervaiz Khattak said: "We will never allow pushing million beyond poverty line for the benefit of 80 influential families of Punjab, come what may, as business for 72 hours in a month in which half of the hours are wasted in load-shedding is nothing but a cruel joke." "If decision is not taken back and our demands are not met until July 10, we will have no option but to protest the move with full might," he warned.
He said that different departments have opposed patronage of private power plants and provision of gas to them on subsidised rate, while Supreme Court has issued judgement against these plants but to no avail. It was amazing that the sector paying highest taxes and tariff is deprived of natural gas which is being diverted to those `addicted' to subsidised gas despite the fact that all the sectors excluding CNG have had alternate to gas.
Electricity tariff, taxes and price of all inputs is being increased frequently while pressure has been reduced intentionally to destroy the sector, he lamented. The leader of the CNG sector said that hundreds of CNG filling stations have been closed across the stretch of Punjab while thousands are on the verge of closure, but it is yet enough to draw the attention of the policymakers.