People from across the society have expressed mixed views on the caretaker government’s decision to ban CNG in private vehicles having a capacity above 1,000cc.
The caretaker government made the decision in view of acute shortage and scarcity of gas and to ensure its gainful use by supplying it to other important sectors.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has been directed to consult the Ministry of Law for the implementation of these decisions.
These decisions, after being vetted by the Ministry of Law, will come into force on May 25.
“Though the decision has been taken in good intention, but it should ban CNG in public transport which had been the largest consumers, having several cylinders installed in vehicles,” Zahid Aslam, a public-sector employee said.
He was of the view that since public transport could easily afford petrol or diesel since they were doing business and charging passengers whatever they wanted to.
A taxi driver, Mir Janan, said the decision would go a long way in extending relief to common people.
He said the decision would push rich people, who had luxurious vehicles at their disposal, to move to petrol or diesel consumption.
“You will see rich people with their luxurious cars in queues to refill CNG at filling stations in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which is, to me, not a good practice,” he observed.
The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) has rejected the decision, arguing it does not fall under the mandate of the caretaker government.
It said the unpopular decision can in no way extend relief to the poor and would further increase problems for the masses and the business community.
The association also rejected the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources plan to suspend gas supply to CNG outlets for six days on account of maintenance of plants at Qadirpur gas field.
“The decision to bar CNG outlets from business from May 21 to
May 27 will impact masses and businesses and therefore the decision cannot be accepted,” said APCNGA chief Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha.
He was of the view that closing supply from the gas field will result in a shortfall of 400 mmcfd which should have been distributed on merit among gas consuming sectors. He said license issued to CNG operators clearly indicate that any decision regarding gas supply will be taken with consensus.
It has been approved by the prime minister that any CNG filling station found violating these instructions shall be fined for the first offence with Rs 50,000. In case of repetition, the owner shall be fined Rs 100,000 and in case of a third offence and violation, the CNG station shall be sealed for a minimum period of six months.
Similarly for any subsequent offence, the period of suspension of the CNG station shall not be less than one year. These instructions shall not be applicable on public transport as defined in West Pakistan Public Transport Act 1961.
Mixed views expressed to ban CNG in private vehicles above 1,000cc
