LAHORE, June 8: Save the Industry Forum, comprising the textile, power and fertiliser manufacturers, has called upon the government to draw up a long-term energy policy to curtail wasteful and unproductive use of gas as well as remove supply gaps for the industry to push growth.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the forum leaders said that curtailment of gas demand for CNG as an alternate fuel for filling car tanks of the wealthy should be the first measure that the government should take in view of gas shortages for the industry, fertilisers and power sectors.

“It is time for the government and the people to reset their priorities. They must decide if they want jobs and investment in the economy or cheap fuel for cars,” Gohar Ejaz, top Aptma leader, said.

Aptma is leading the forum that comprises Independent Power Producers Advisory Council and the urea manufacturers.

He said the forum did not want closure of any sector.

“We just want optimal use of available gas for production of cheaper electricity and creation of new jobs and exports,” he said.

He said the media campaign launched by the forum should not be taken as targeting any sector because CNG station owners are also from amongst the business community.

Gohar said that the government should cut growth in CNG demand and phase out use of gas as car fuel.

“We also want the government to compensate the CNG station owners for their investment by shifting them on to LPG,” he said.