ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minster Justice (retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso on Tuesday prohibited Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling for private vehicles over 1000cc, DawnNews reported.

The decision was taken on a ‘covert summary’ of the petroleum ministry.

According to the new order, a fine of Rs50,000 will be charged from the non-compliant CNG stations on first violation, which will be doubled on second. Closure of the culpable CNG stations for six months for third offense and for a year if they fail to follow the orders on fourth occasion in a row.

A copy of the said orders has been dispatched to the concerned departments. The ban, however, will not be applicable on public sector.

Spokesperson of the Prime Minster House has confirmed the ban.

The premier has approved these instructions in order to restrict use of CNG for private transport in view of acute shortage and scarcity of this natural asset and to ensure more gainful value of this scarce commodity for the sectors of power, industry, fertiliser and domestic consumption, said a statement issued from the PM House.

These instructions shall not be applicable on public transport as defined in West Pakistan Public Transport Act 1961.

The prime minister is concerned and conscious that this cheap mode of transport primarily meant for low and middle income groups has been excessively abused by vehicles of more than 1000cc.

He expressed the hope that these measures would be viewed by all sections of society in the same spirit which is solely devoted and directed towards the welfare of the people and conservation of invaluable natural resource which has depleted to a great extent.

Prime Minister Khoso has directed the ministry of petroleum and natural resources to consult the ministry of law for the implementation of these decisions.

These decisions, after being vetted by the ministry of law, will come into force on May 25.

All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) chairman Ghayas Paracha has condemned the decision saying they will announce their course of action against the decision once prime minister-elect Nawaz Sharif is sworn-in.

Meanwhile, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), showing concern on the issue, has called for an explanation from the petroleum ministry– APP/DawnNews