Govt considering month long CNG station closure in Sindh: Petroleum minister

Dr Asim Hussain says government motive is to strategise in order to conserve gas reserves.

KARACHI: Federal Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Dr Asim Hussain on Friday announced that the government was contemplating a month long closure of CNG stations in Sindh during January.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Hussain said that the authorities were still deliberating over the matter and that the CNG stations might have to undergo a closure for a month.

The petroleum minister said that currently their motive was to strategise in order to conserve gas reserves.

He pointed out at population growth and increasing dearth of gas resources in the province and throughout the country.

“The country is undergoing a severe shortage of natural gas,” said Hussain. He added that gas supply for industries is not yet decided, however, if the reserves are not able to meet the demand then this step might also be taken.

At least 70% of the country’s transport now depends completely on CNG, including buses and rickshaws.