APCNGA summons meeting tomorrow to finalise nationwide protest, says tens of thousands unemployed due to govt’s ‘apathy’ towards CNG sector
All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNG) Chairman Capt (r) Raja Shuja Anwar on Tuesday said that the CNG sector was being subjected to “forced bankruptcy” at the hands of the government across the country, which will not be permitted under any circumstances.
The weather has normalised but the CNG stations are not allowed to resume operations leaving tens of thousands of workers jobless and forcing CNG owners into severe financial difficulties, he said.
He said that forced closure of CNG outlets in Punjab since November 10 last year is “against the rules, law, ground realities, interests and rights of the masses”.
Capt (r) Shuja added that the CNG closure is contributing to enhanced consumption of liquid fuels putting forex reserves and rupee under pressure. He said that CNG sector which is fully dependent on natural gas is facing repressive taxation and irrational pricing mechanism.
“Our problems must be resolved immediately otherwise we will launch a protest with the help of transporters country wide,” he warned. He said that CNG sector is being taken towards forced closure/bankruptcy resulting in reducing billions of worth investment to rubble through fifth straight month that outlets are closed while duration of gas load shedding has been enhanced in Sind and reduced supplies in KP through intentional lowering of pressure.
The business of many CNG owners has been destroyed but those who matter are still unmoved which speaks volumes about their apathy, he added. He said that APCNGA will not rest unless CNG stations are reopened and issue resolved.
The leader of CNG sector said that CNG is the only sector of the country which has no other alternative to natural gas therefore it should get preference under all circumstances lest it crumbles.
“We have summoned an important meeting of all stakeholders on March 26 at Islamabad to review disappointing situation and finalise plans for protest,” said Shuja.
