Govt to act against CNG stations resisting price cut
27 October, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister's Adviser for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain said on Friday the government would take action against those gas station owners who had shut down their filling stations following the Supreme Court's order to reduce CNG prices. Many gas stations in Karachi closed down on Friday causing difficulties for the public, while most gas stations reportedly turned away customers on the pretext of having developed technical faults. Despite it being a public holiday today, public transport remained sparse on the roads and people were forced to commute on rooftops of buses. Speaking to the media here today, Dr Asim said that a list was being compiled of those stations which were closed after CNG prices were slashed by up to Rs 30.90 Thursday, adding that that legal action would be taken against them. Welcoming the apex court's orders, Hussain urged all provincial governments to ensure immediate implementation of the court's directions. Moreover, Hussain added that the licenses would be cancelled of those stations, which would remain closed despite clear direction of the SC. Meanwhile, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has threatened legal action against those CNG pumps where the price reduction was not being implemented. The regulatory body has already dispatched its teams into different areas to monitor and control CNG prices according to the recent changes, it was learnt. CNG Dealers Association Chairman Abdul Sami Khan said some members had asked him how they could run their business in loss, but the association instructed them to reduce the price and keep their stations open. Contrary to actual events, CNG Station Owners Association Chairman Malik Khuda Bukhsh claimed that all its members had reduced the price and their stations were open across the country. Some pumps might have been closed because of low gas pressure, but all other pumps were operating normally, he added. He said the price cut decision was implemented from midnight and CNG would be available at the reduced rate by Friday morning. End.
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