CNG dealers, govt fail to agree on schedule

RAWALPINDI: The federal government and All Pakistan CNG Owners Association have failed to reach consensus on the new schedule for gas filling stations. The government supplied gas to filling stations from July 28 to August 2. According to sources, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has agreed to supply gas to filling stations 12 hours a day and three days a week but the CNG association wants gas four days a week and 16 hours a day. When contacted, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) official told Dawn that as the power sector was on top of the priority list, it was not possible to provide gas to CNG filling stations more than 36 hours a week. He said the new schedule would bem announced after taking all stakeholders on board. All Pakistan CNG Owners Association Chairman Ghayas Paracha told Dawn that the new schedule would be announced by the SNGPL next week. He said the association had submitted its proposals to the federal government and is expecting a positive response. He said the government had promised to improve gas supply to the stations after monsoon rains. Published in Dawn, Aug 2nd , 2014