CNG-hunt: Winters go by, but gas does not return

Protests held after the govt failed to restore seven days gas supply.

ISLAMABAD: The representatives of All Pakistan Compressed Natural Gas Association on Monday staged a protest against the two-day weekly suspension of gas to CNG stations.

Carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the government, hundreds of CNG association members assembled here in front of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) head office in I-9/2.
Chairman of the association, Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha led the protest.

Speaking at the occasion, he said that Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani should act upon his promise of restoring the gas supply to seven days a week.

“Despite end of winters, the CNG stations of the city remain closed for two days in a week and the owners suffer losses of billions,“ he added He said that the pressure of gas in Potohar region is low which creates many problems for residents and demanded SNGPL to ensure complete pressure of gas.

Later, the charged protestors broke into the office of SNGPL.

They also blocked the main I-9 road for two hours. Heavy contingents of police were deployed in the area to avoid any untoward incident.

Sources said that on the assurance of having their demands fulfilled, the association called off the strike.
“After the meeting with General Manager (SNGPL) Amir Naseen the association they called it off,“ said an official.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2011.