CNG Association calls off strike

PRESS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD
PR No.128
PRESS RELEASE
Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources chaired a meeting today with the representatives of All Pakistan CNG Association (Regd..) led by Mr. Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Central Chairman, CNG Dealers Association of Pakistan led by Mr. Abdul Sami Khan, Chairman and CNG Station Owners Association of Pakistan led by Mr. Malik Khuda Buksh, Chairman to discuss the proposed winter load management strategy with special reference to two gas holidays for the CNG sector for sharing the brunt of shortfall in gas demand supply in the SNGPL system.

The Minister underscored the need for meeting the gas requirements of all the sectors of national economy, given the present precarious gas demand supply situation, which warrants load management. It was also discussed and agreed that if the demand supply situation so permits, the CNG sector will be accordingly looked after in the larger interest of CNG consumers and the commuters but this will not affect the other sectors of national economy. Gas load management will be implemented in accordance with broad parameters approved by the Cabinet while detailed modalities will be worked out by SNGPL in consultation with CNG associations to address their concerns.

Representatives of CNG industry appreciated the Government�s initiatives taken for sailing through the winter peak demand of gas and assured their full support and cooperation in this behalf. The Minister directed the MD SNGPL to meet the CNG associations on 17th November, 2009 so as to amicably resolve the low pressure problems that irked the tailender CNG stations. The Minister also constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of Director General (Gas) to examine the long standing demand of CNG association for having industrial tariff and differential with the petrol prices and their other issues. The meeting will be convened on 18th November, 2009. The All Pakistan CNG Association would also meet the Secretary, Petroleum & Natural Resources on 19th November, 2009 to discuss their outstanding issues.

The All Pakistan CNG Association called off their strike and assured their continued support to the Government in load management. The Minister appreciated the positive role of all the participants.