ISLAMABAD: All Pakistan CNG Association Friday announced to stage sit in and shut down stations if prices of CNG are further increased and load-shedding duration for CNG not reduced.

This call was given by Ghiyas Abdullah Piracha, Chairman All Pakistan CNG Association while addressing a news conference here at National Press Club (NPC).

Other office-bearers of APCNG Association were present on the occasion.

Ghiyas Abdullah made it clear that hike in CNG price is unacceptable, adding, the people have no power to purchase CNG at Rs 100 per kg. He said a hike in CNG price would bring new flood of price-hike and inflation.

“We have given a comprehensive formula to enhance governments revenue and overcome gas shortage”, he added.

He alleged that conspiracy was being hatched to end CNG sector, saying it would inflict billion of rupees loss to the government and public as well. He was of the view that efforts were being made to replace LPG with CNG.

He warned that 50 million consumers and 4 million vehicles owners would not let their business be damaged by LPG.

“If these steps are not taken back, we will shut down all CNG stations and Petrol Pumps across Pakistan”, he warned.

Chairman All Pakistan CNG Association demanded of the government to announce reduction in gas load shedding for CNG, take back illegal increase of Rupees 11.50, Roll back CESS tax and have no more hike in prices and tax for CNG sector. He further asked the government not to impose new tax on CNG sector.

He suggested that subsidies should be withdrawn from all sectors on gas prices to generate revenue. He said that the proposal for imposing more CESS tax and CNG and increase of CNG retail price will crush CNG industry.

“CNG sector consumes only 7 per cent of Gas and gives 21 per cent revenue which makes it one of the most profitable sectors for government”, Ghiyas Paracha added.

He said that the association had given a comprehensive formula to enhance government’s revenue and gas shortage and that this plan will resolve the electricity and energy crisis of the country. He claimed that with the help of this formula, the government will earn up to 78 billion monthly in extra revenue which will help to meet circular debt.

He said that in summer season LPG is at the cheapest price, the imported LPG is substandard, if it may provided to public absolutely free even then it is not feasible and suitable for public.

Giving future course of action, he said that final program for strike and sit in will be announced on Tuesday. “Some people want to import substandard LPG and want to snatch cheap CNG fuel from poor consumers”, said Ghiyas Paracha.