A spokesman of the ministry referred to media reports suggesting about the strike and clarified that no decision regarding imposition of new levy/cess had yet been taken so far and the office bearers of all Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) had been apprised by the Secretary Petroleum during their meeting held on Tuesday.

In a statement, the spokesman said the cess will be imposed in phases and on all sectors after due consultation with stakeholders. He said that CNG sector was an important stakeholder and the government had provided substantial relief to them in the gas load management plan.

"The Ministry of Petroleum has always taken the APCNGA on board while making important decisions and the concerns of CNG Sector are always given due weightage as this sector is a significant contributor to national economy in terms of taxes and tariff".

He said the government's top priority was to supply natural gas to the domestic consumers, while other sectors including CNG, Industry, Fertilizer, Power and Textile were also regarded as important stakeholders, which are to be supplied with gas on the basis of availability.

"Muhammad Ejaz Chaudhry, Secretary Petroleum has said that CNG sector is an important stakeholder and it is expected of them that they will act with a sense of responsibility in this crisis situation".

He said the cooperation of APCNGA and CNG Dealers Association is imperative so that sufficient supply of gas is available for domestic consumers; therefore, the call of strike by CNG Sector is unjustified.