This is with reference to the recent advertisements that have appeared in a section of the press on the subject of 500 MMCFD of natural gas being wasted on CNG. It actually comes as a surprise to common people that the same fuel that runs electricity generation plants serving the power needs of 100 percent of the country’s 180 million population are callously diverted to run 3.5 million cars on CNG. This is definitely not the most productive or efficient use of a precious resource in a country torn by power riots leading to civil unrest.
Wastage of such a huge quantity of natural gas which could add 1600 megawatts of electricity to national power generation, presents the worst example of mismanagement and ill-thought policies. The idea of car owners saving a few rupees a day on fuel at the cost of masses struck by load shedding simply sounds ridiculous. I would, therefore, say that an immediate end should be put to this untenable situation.
SYED OVAIS AKHTAR
Karachi
