The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Mir Naseer Mengal has said that the government is encouraging use of CNG as an alternate fuel, to check pollution and lessen the increasing burden on common man following increase in prices of diesel and other petroleum products.
Talking to newsmen at the concluding ceremony of a two-day 2nd international CNG conference here on Thursday, the minister said that the cabinet in its meeting held a day back has decided to convert all transport to CNG under a national plan.
For early implementation of the plan, the government has also decided to form a high-level committee. "We are also finding out a legal framework to legalise use of LPG in vehicles, which is part of the government plan to enhance use of gas in transport sector."
He said the government would welcome suggestions and ideas of the participants of the conference for conversion of transport to CNG. To overcome the shortage of energy in future, the Pakistan government was also in process of negotiating with Qatar for acquiring gas, he further said. "Moreover we are encouraging private investors in energy sector," he added.
To a question, he said the government would review the prices of CNG kits, besides ensuring stability in rates of CNG and LPG in the market. To another question about prospects of decrease in prices of oil, Mengal said the prices would be curtailed as soon as the prices in the international market come down.
Earlier, addressing the participants of the function, the minister said the government was committed to promote a fast track development process in all sectors of economy at 7 to 8 percent national economic growth rate, which will require corresponding increase in the suitable supplies of energy for fuelling the economic growth.
He said that the government was determined to promote the participants of private sector in the national development, while ensuring customers' interest through effective regulatory system. The government will also be looking forward to receive the recommendations arising from this moot, he added.
Earlier Malik Khuda Baksh, Chairman, Organising Committee of the conference in his welcome address dilated upon the objectives of the moot.
Naushad Sarwar, General Manager Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan, presented a report on the conference and the problems discussed in technical sessions by the delegates. He said that future prospects for CNG, its historical perspective and issues relating to government policy, safety standards and private sector investment were also discussed.
Later the minister took round of the exhibition, where a number of CNG products were put on display, including a 200 CC locally manufactured car and a CNG converted Volvo bus.
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