The association has decided to close filling stations in Punjab and Potohar region from January 1 in protest against hike in gas prices. - AFP (File Photo)

ISLAMABAD: The government has banned filling CNG in public and commercial transport with immediate effect, claims the All Pakistan CNG association.

“We have received a letter from the OGRA that has banned the filling of those public and commercial vehicles that have CNG cylinders installed under seat or on rooftops,” Central Chairman of the Association Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha told a press conference here on Friday.

The association has also decided to close filling stations in Punjab and Potohar region from January 1 in protest against non- resolution of issues of the CNG sector, he added.

He alleged that some quarters wanted to introduce LPG in place of the CNG for achieving their personal gains.

He also rejected the raise in gas prices, saying it would put extra burden on the masses who were already groaning under inflation.

He said as a result of increase in gas rate, the price of CNG at Potohar region would be available at Rs 86 per kg while in Punjab and Sindh, the CNG would be sold at around Rs 75 per kg.

He also rejected the impression that CNG stations' owners were earning profit of Rs 28 per kg, saying they earned profit even less than Rs 14 per kg.

He added all investigation reports into the incidents regarding CNG cylinder blasts had proved that these mishaps were not occurred as a result of the CNG cylinder and the interior ministry should taken notice of the DPOs who had mislead the public.