Traders on Wednesday staged a protest demonstration against the closure of CNG stations, warning of a countrywide agitation if the gas was not supplied to consumers. All Pakistan Organisation of Small Traders and Cottage Industries blamed the Ogra and owners of CNG filling stations for the gas disruption to the public. The organisation reckoned at least Rs 42 billion loss to the country's economy due to the CNG stations closures.
Leading the protest on Abdullah Haroon Road, president of the organisation, Mehmood Hamid asserted the businessmen community and cottage industrialists will resort to strikes in the country if CNG supplies did not start. He lauded Supreme Court of Pakistan's verdict on reducing the CNG prices, saying the CNG stations strike is aimed at failing the apex court's move. He told the protestors that the gas supply suspension has ceased the country's economy and daily life in cities. He said the strike has created difficulties for those who depend on public transport, as buses have come to standstill.