Businessmen reject gas supply suspension

Cite mismanagement, incompetence as prime reasons behind the issue

ISLAMABAD:

A nationwide gas supply suspension is unacceptable as it will take a toll on the masses and industries while compressed natural gas (CNG) will be the most affected sector, said Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Nasir Hayat Maggo on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, he said that the gas crisis was the outcome of mismanagement as gas supply was being suspended across the country from June 29, which was because of incompetence. “Sales tax on LNG import by the CNG sector has been increased by 12% while 5% customs duty has been imposed, which should be reversed or else this sector will crumble,” he warned.

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The FPCCI chief added that delay in LNG imports, restricting LNG imports by the CNG sector for years and maintenance work on gas fields and an LNG terminal at a wrong time, especially when electricity demand was at its peak, indicated how much expertise did officials have to deal with such situations.

Speaking on the occasion, All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) Group Leader Ghiyas Paracha said that energy policies were not according to the ground realities.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2021.

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