CNG sector concerned over fuel price hike

Fears CNG price will rise above petrol for first time in history of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

Stakeholders of the compressed natural gas (CNG) sector have voiced concern over the unprecedented hike in the price of CNG, citing that it is contrary to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

They added that despite buying the costliest liquefied natural gas (LNG), additional taxes had been slapped on the CNG sector by the government, which would take its price above petrol for the first time in the history of Pakistan.

In a statement on Friday, All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) Group Leader Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said that the price of gas would soar further in October and November if the purchase of expensive LNG continued.

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“Sales tax and customs duty have been revised upwards, which will increase the price of CNG by Rs18 per litre in Punjab and Rs28 per litre in Sindh,” he said.

“The high price of CNG will make it unattractive for consumers and trigger bankruptcy in the sector, leaving hundreds of thousands of people jobless.”

The dollar was gaining strength against the rupee, which was also contributing to the cost of fuel, therefore, the government should act immediately to save the indus