Secretary Petroleum Natural Resources Muhammad Ejaz Chaudhry held a meeting with Ghyas Paracha Chairman and representatives of All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) here on Monday to address the concerns of the CNG Sector.

The meeting was attended by Chief Commissioner Islamabad Capital Territory, Acting Chairman OGRA and Senior officers of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, says a press release.

Secretary Petroleum clarified to the APCNGA that the news about indefinite closure of CNG Sector is incorrect; however, CNG Stations would remain closed as per the mutually agreed Gas Load Management Programme.

It was informed that there is no proposal for closure of CNG stations during the month of January.

Due to increasing cold, the demand of natural gas is increasing and therefore the government has to implement the Gas Load Management Programme.

Secretary Petroleum informed the participants that after the month of
February, the situation of gas supply would stabilize and gas supply to CNG sector would improve.

During the meeting it was decided that a high powered committee comprising of senior representatives of Finance Division, Petroleum & Natural Resources Division and OGRA would look into the issue of Gas Pricing and submit its report with in 4 days.

It was also decided that the decision of OGRA regarding ban on filling of CNG in Public Transport vehicles would be suspended for 15 days and the public safety measures would be jointly monitored and ensured by OGRA and the APCNGA.

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has already communicated to Provincial Governments, OGRA and the APCNGA to monitor public transport vehicles containing sub-standard CNG cylinders and kits.

Secretary Petroleum said that CNG sector is an important stakeholder and it is expected of them that they will act responsibly in this crisis situation. Cooperation of APCNGA is imperative so that sufficient supply of gas is available for domestic consumers. He emphasized upon the APCNGA to call off their strike.

Chairman APCNGA assured that CNG Association would cooperate in implementing the Gas Load Management Programme.