LAHORE: A delegation of the All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) met Governor Baleeghur Rehman on Monday and apprised him of their problems.

The association claims if their proposals are accepted, the federal government would reduce the fuel import bill by $2.1 billion per annum, and efficiently deal with the energy crisis across the country.

The delegation, led by Ghayas Paracha, claimed the governor said he would recommend the federal government (petroleum division) consider the association’s proposals.

“The government is facing serious issues related to the balance of payment that can only be resolved with the promotion of CNG as an alternate fuel for motor vehicles and approximately $2.1 billion per annum can be saved on account of the fuel import bill while 50pc cut in public transport fares is also possible,” Mr Paracha claimed.

“Reduction in the circular debt can be made by Rs1.5 trillion and environmental pollution can be also be tackled through a reduction in the carbon emissions with the use of eco-friendly CNG.”

He said the revival of the CNG sector could generate thousands of jobs while the use of CNG as an alternative fuel for motor vehicles is equivalent to having an environmental benefit of 152.63 million trees per annum.

The delegation also urged the governor to immediately get the gas supply to Punjab’s CNG stations restored, which have been facing the closure of gas for the last seven months (7th December 2021 to date), restored with immediate effect so as to save the public from the impact of rising oil prices in the international oil market.

It said the CNG is still cheaper than the prevailing petrol price and the industry can provide 43pc and 55pc cheaper eco-friendly fuel to the motor vehicles in comparison with the price of petrol and diesel respectively in order to provide immediate relief to the public only if the government allow and facilitate it to privately import LNG to meet its needs.

Mr Paracha said the association, during the meeting, also expressed grave concerns over the discriminatory attitude of the government toward Punjab regarding the supply of gas to the CNG sector.

“In Sindh, Balochistan and KP, the CNG stations are operating. But these are closed only in Punjab. This attitude is depriving Punjab of cheaper fuel at such a crucial time,” he told this reporter.

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2022