Lifeline: CNG stations to shut down indefinitely

Association says will close stations from Wednesday against imposition of cess.

ISLAMABAD:

Motorists and commuters braced for the worst as all three compressed natural gas (CNG) associations along with the petroleum dealers’ associations said they would shut down their stations from Wednesday against imposition of new taxes on CNG.

All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) Chairman Ghiyas Paracha told Online that a conspiracy was being hatched against the sector, which powers 3.5 million vehicles and provides a livelihood to 50 million people directly or indirectly.

He said that the association held several meetings with the officials of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources and presented demands to not impose further cess on the sector and to reduce load-shedding of CNG however their demands were not addressed.

He said that after imposition of cess, CNG prices in region one will be Rs98 per kilogramme (kg) and in region two will be Rs90 per kg which is unaffordable for people and will create roadblocks to conduct business for the sector.

He said that APCNGA along with petroleum dealers has decided to strongly resist the government and force them not to impose further taxes on the CNG sector. He added that APCNGA is demanding withdrawal of cess and price increase from the finance bill.

Paracha also requested the political parties to oppose imposition of cess over CNG and vote against it. He said that it is the responsibility of political leaders to oppose any decision that creates problems for price stricken masses.

On the other hand, different bodies related to CNG sector and public transport have vehemently condemned imposing of the new levy on CNG in recent budget, terming it anti-public move and demanded its removal immediately.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 5^th, 2012.