ISLAMABAD, Oct 5: The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Sector has so far attracted more than Rs15 billion investment and created 15,000 employment, Director General, Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP), Hilal A. Raza said on Tuesday.

He said an investment of Rs5 billion was in the pipeline. "At present About 600 CNG stations have become operational catering to the needs of more than 550,000 vehicles, and now Pakistan is also cooperating with its brotherly countries in implementing their CNG programmes," he told APP.

The Director General said diesel oil substitution with natural gas in the transport sector is the next area of focus, adding, a pilot project is under way to introduce CNG-fitted public transport in the Federal Capital.

Hilal A. Raza said the experimental project of the HDIP on CNG has turned into a nation-wide industry. "It is a success story and an example to follow for those who wish to use science and technology for national development," he added.

The Director General appreciated the role of private sector in promoting CNG technology which has invested about Rs15 billion in the development of CNG infrastructure. Pakistan, he said, has now become the leader in CNG industry in Asia and its third largest user in the world.

Responding to a question, he said Iran has given a green signal to Pakistan's CNG industry to set up 468 CNG filling stations that involve billions of rupees. Iran has sent tender documents for project following the recent visit of the Pakistani CNG industrialists. -APP