Current operation raises miseries manifold: APCNGA calls for replacing loadshedding schedule

The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Wednesday, while requesting the government to replace current gas loadshedding schedule for CNG outlets in Punjab, said that six-hour a day operation of CNG outlets instead of reducing the problems of the masses had increased their miseries manifold.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA, Central Chairman APCNGA Pervaiz Khan Khattak and others urged the government, "CNG filling stations should be permitted to provide gas to masses for nine hours a day, 18 hours on Wednesdays, ban on electricity loadshedding during working hours, and restoration of proper gas pressure." These demands if accepted would dramatically change the situation to soothe masses which was also earnest desire of the government, said Ghiyas Paracha.
He said that removing bottlenecks in the energy projects, doubling budget of all such projects, early import of LNG, finding new reserves, and efficient use of natural gas would also help in improving the situation. Paracha said that differences between gas companies and Ogra over UFG had resulted in reduced pressure and it must be resolved.
The leader of the CNG sector said that former government was anti-CNG but all the allegations levelled against that sector were cleared from the Supreme Court and other forums. However, he said that "incumbent government is serious in resolving all the issues for which we are grateful." Speaking on the occasion, Pervaiz Khattak said that masses were getting CNG in Punjab on daily basis after four years, adding masses would take some time to get accustomed to the new schedule which would eventually end the long queues on the CNG outlets.
"We are considering separate queues for commercial and private vehicles at the outlets while some recommendations aimed at resolution of issues have been forwarded to State Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali and some other officials," said Khattak. Acceptance of recommendations would reduce problems of CNG owners, consumers, and workers while saving natural gas and electricity. "A reason for current problems is our desire to provide relief to masses", he said, adding all out efforts proved that CNG could be provided seven days a week. Khattak informed that Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi would review the situation soon and participate in a seminar organised by APCNGA in Karachi on Friday, where an important decision might be announced.