LAHORE – Most CNG stations across Punjab remained shut for the second consecutive day as a result of the strike announced by the CNG Association and the Petroleum Retailers Association.
President of the association Ghayas Paracha, announced the strike on Tuesday and said that a shortage in Gas supply is highly unlikely during this season and despite the orders of the president and prime minister, the Sui Northern Gas was still persistent with gas load shedding.
Long queues of consumers were seen at the few CNG stations which remained open despite the strike call.
The CNG Association maintained their stance of continuing the strike for the indefinite period until their demands were met.
Talking to a local TV, Chairman of All Pakistan CNG Association Ghais Paracha said that Government’s non-serious attitude forced them to shut down CNG stations. Gas crisis emerged due to the Government’s flawed policy. Government is to be blamed for our strike.
In Multan, CNG owners observed the strike on the second day as well. CNG stations of the region would remain shut for unannounced period of time. Multan, Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Khanewal, Vehari, Layyah, Chichawatni and Kot Addu wholly observed the strike. Citizens faced severe difficulties on the 2nd day as well.
All Punjab CNG Association’s Chairman Fayyaz Gilani expressed that government’s two-day suspension of gas supply, in a week, left worst impact and would further damage their businesses.
Earlier, it was decided in a meeting with Punjab Government to suspend gas supply for one day only in a week after 15th March but government didn’t implement its own decision yet that was the reason behind strike.
He added that they are facing gas loadshedding on one side and power loadshedding on the other end. Our businesses are worsening day-by-day.
Owners of commercial vehicles increased fares due to the strike of 206 CNG stations in Multan region which affected people badly.
In addition, CNG stations and petrol stations remained on strike throughout Rawalpindi and Islamabad, cabbies overcharged and traffic passage declined.
