Punjab CNG stations go on strike from today: talks with government fizzle out

The government has refused to give any relief to CNG sector, as the Tuesday''s talks in the ministry of petroleum between the government, SNGPL and CNG association fizzled out. All CNG stations in Punjab will go on indefinite strike from today (Wednesday) in Hassan Abdal, Wah, Taxila, Fateh Jang, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujjar Khan, Chakwal, Sargodha, Jehlum and Central & Southern Punjab.
Petrol pumps of Islamabad and Lahore will also be closed for symbolic strike of one day for in support of CNG industry. All Pakistan Petroleum Retailers Association has announced support and co-operation to All Pakistan CNG Association for its demands regarding exemption of CNG sector from gas load shedding, increase in petroleum retail commission, low gas pressure and the unfair distribution of natural gas.
The Chairman of Supreme Council, Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said the government has refused to give any relief to CNG sector. He demanded of the secretary petroleum and MD SNGPL to move gas load shedding to those sectors which can run on alternate options, as CNG business has no other option to run without gas.
He appealed to people and transporters to support the strike for the mutual benefit. He said it''s a short-term problem, which will result in long-term benefits for all. He said we have requested the president and the prime minister to resolve our issues immediately, as the situation has become worse.
He said no CNG will be provided to any vehicle in Punjab till the acceptance of our demands. There would be a complete closure of CNG and petrol pumps in Lahore and Islamabad on Wednesday. The government was bent upon destroying the CNG sector, which is unfair. The CNG station owners have invested billions of rupees in this sector and hundred million people are being benefited daily. "We have been in continuous dialogue for our legitimate demands with the government but now we have no choice but to go on strike, he said.-PR