ISLAMABAD, June 26: The CNG sector has again demanded the government to amend its policy of supplying gas to  captive power plants as it would be tantamount to supporting one sector at the expense of the other.

In a letter to the petroleum  secretary, the All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) said the ministry’s proposal to supply 344mmcfd gas to captive power plants would only benefit a limited number of industrial units.

“Since these industries have alternative fuel options, gas supply to captive power should be stopped immediately,” the letter written by central APCNGA Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said.

The letter by APCNGA also contains suggestions for the government to reduce power outages. “If 344mmcfd gas is diverted from captive power plants to electricity generation units, it can produce up to 2,000 megawatts,” the letter said.

The APCNGA has also suggested that there has to be an immediate ban on use of ‘gas generators’ in industrial, commercial, domestic and even at fuel stations.

“It will save 150mmcfd gas and produce 700MW electricity,” the letter said, adding that all domestic gas consumers who use gas generators can be easily identified as their gas bills would be above Rs1,500 in summer.”

Strong punitive actions including disconnections will discourage use of generators on gas, APCNGA said.

Besides, it has demanded equal gas loadshedding for industries in the Punjab and CNG sector which will save 100mmcfd extra to the government to produce 500 megawatt electricity.

“Gas should be provided on priority to sectors which cannot work without gas,” the APCNGA said. — A Reporter