CNG conversation kit prices have jumped up by 28 to 40 per cent in just one day after government’s decision to impose complete ban on the import of CNG cylinders and conversion kits in the wake of current gas crisis in the country, Profit observed on Friday.
Market survey reveals that CNG conversion centres in the provincial metropolis have dramatically increased CNG kits prices from Rs8,000 to Rs15,000 immediately after the Economic Coordination Committee’s (ECC) decision on Thursday. Major increase is being witnessed in CNG cylinders prices, as gas bottles are already short in the market.
Speaking to Profit, a CNG conversion workshop owner, Muhammad Usman Ali, said that an average price of CNG conversion kit for a carburetor engine type vehicle was ranging between Rs36,000 and Rs39,000, depending on the kit brand, model and capacity of the cylinder. However, the same was being installed in cars at Rs28,000 some two days ago.
Similarly, prices of CNG conversion kits for electronic fuel injection (EFI) type engines are being quoted at Rs41,000 to Rs46,000 with 50 litres cylinder. But most dealers in the provincial capital are reluctant to offer some fixed price as they are not sure about the availability of cylinders and other kit parts.
Another CNG kit dealer at Mozan Chungi, Mian Shahid told Profit that sufficient CNG conversion kits stocks were available in markets, but dealers increased prices anticipating shortage in coming weeks. He indicated that prices of CNG conversion kits would further swell with consumption of available stock.
All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) Supreme Council Chairman Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said that the government had already put up CNG sector against the wall. “The APCNGA strongly rejects the government decision to impose ban on CNG conversion kits and cylinder and reserve the right to challenge the government decision in the court of law. CNG sector has invested over Rs200 billion in the country to save precious foreign exchange, which was being spent for petroleum imports, but government did not bother to take CNG sector stakeholders on board before making this decision,” he maintained.
Speaking to Profit, Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers Chairman Syed Nabeel Hashmi said that it was an irrational decision on which the government did not take any stakeholder in to confidence before making this decision. Even the federal government’s own Auto Industry Development Committee was unaware from this development.
He underscored that car manufacturers and vending industry had made billions of rupees investment to promote CNG in the country. He pointed out that the government had left no option for the industry and general public as no alternate was provided. Hashmi indicated that Auto Gas Station Policy was redundant document which could not be implemented even after years. If the country had liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stations installed in the country public and industry could switch to it, but now they saw no light at the end of the tunnel.
He demanded government to withdraw its decision and ask concerned ministry to make Auto Gas Station Policy in line with the real world. He pointed out that world over all petroleum products were sold through same stations, but in Pakistan the policy has failed because policymakers in the country believe LPG stations should be separate from other fuels, which had no rational.
A buyer roaming at Bahawalpur Road said that it was very unfortunate that the country did not have a single consistent policy. Ad hoc policies and hit and try approach was prevalent everywhere. From rulers to shopkeepers, everybody was on money making spree. Ruling class was enjoying all amenities of modern day on the public expense, while public was being denied basic facilities, he maintained.