ISLAMABAD, Aug 9: The petroleum ministry has ordered the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and the provincial government of Balochistan to issue licences for construction of new compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in the province, Additional Secretary G A Sabri told APP.

“In view of genuine demand of the people of Balochistan, senators, politicians and on the recommendations of the minister for petroleum and natural resources, as a special case, the prime minister has approved removal of ban on issuance of CNG licences for installation of CNG stations,” he said.

He said it has been top priority of the government to meet fuel requirements of Balochistan, including that of CNG stations without any interruption.

The interim government, while reviewing gas and power shortage, had decided that no new CNG licence should be given, except those who have already imported CNG plants.

There are only four GNG stations in Quetta, but construction of more CNG stations in the other cities would enable people to get fuel on cheaper rates as compared to petrol and diesel.—APP