KARACHI, Nov 13: CNG stations have quoted their production cost at Rs70.13 per kg, citing Rs15.92 per kg loss to them on sale of gas.

They have displayed a chart at several CNG pumps in which break-up of the cost of production has been given. This has been done to attract sympathies of the common man.

They have calculated the actual cost of CNG at Rs28 per kg on which gas infrastructure tax of Rs10.95 per kg and sales tax of Rs9.95 per kg is further charged, raising the cost to Rs49.13.

The charges for conversion of natural gas to CNG are: power consumption Rs9 per kg, labour cost Rs2.50 per kg, diesel for generators during load-shedding Rs4.50 per kg, oil, chemical, maintenance, spares and several government departments fee Rs5 per kg; therefore total cost comes to Rs70.13 per kg.

As Ogra suggested sale price of CNG is Rs54.16 per kg, they station owners claim they suffer a loss of Rs15.92 per kg.

They said that poor people are actually being deprived of CNG and owners are being forced to sell gas at loss.

Meanwhile, despite a decrease of Rs30 per kg in CNG, rickshaw operators, and other vehicles have not yet reduced fares as they charge the same fare as was earlier being charged by them.

The gas cylinder capacity of rickshaw ranges between three kg on which the vehicle runs at least 90 km or more.

The rickshaw owners act like a cartel as they have fixed fares since they have no fare meters.

Consumers, after braving a tough last week, are now undergoing another hard test due to closure of gas stations by SSGC in Sindh for 48 hours, starting from 9 am on Tuesday to 9am on Thursday.