The CNG stations in Lahore and other cities of the Punjab remained shut on the fifth consecutive day.
The strike was called by the CNG Association in protest against the reduction in gas price by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
The stations in Lahore region were scheduled to reopen on Thursday after the weekly three-day gas suspension, but majority kept their businesses closed
Long queues were witnessed at the few filling stations that were open. The extended closure of CNG stations has caused severe difficulties for commuters and private transport owners.
While expressing their anguish, the people said that the‘CNG mafia’ is earning huge profits and still not giving any relief to the public.
They said that it is surprising that OGRA and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources were silent over the strike and no action was being taken against the CNG stations. They were of the view that since bureaucrats were getting free petrol from the government, they were least affected.
They appealed to the Prime Minister to take immediate notice of the situation and order the police and the army to take-over the CNG stations.
The CNG station owners, on the other hand, said that it was not viable for them to sell gas at such low prices as it would cause them huge financial losses.
