Traditional fuel use due to gas crisis: SCCI concerned at rising environmental pollution

PESHAWAR: Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has expressed grave concern over the rising environmental pollution being caused by the adoption of alternative fuel sources due to the low gas pressure issue.

A press release said SCCI President Fuad Ishaq urged the caretaker chief minister, governor, provincial chief secretary, and district administration to contact the federal government and resolve the gas issues.

The SCCI chief held a meeting with Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Peshawar Sania Safi at her office on Sunday. The presidents of city bazaars, trader’ leaders, and other members of the business community were present there as well.

Fuad Ishaq told the official that the SCCI had taken up the issue of natural gas lack of supply with the federal government, relevant ministry and high-ups because the federation seemed to be indifferent towards Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said people in Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been compelled to use the traditional way as an alternative source of fuel for meeting requirements of routine life.

Fuad Ishaq said the traditional methods, like the use of timber, coal and other sources were causing an increase in environment pollution, and it can also spread lung and respiratory diseases.

He told the official that the total gas production of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was 550 MMCFDs whereas gas consumption in the province was 200MMCFDs and the rest of 350MMCFDs were given to the national grid.The SCCI chief said the gas issues would be resolved if the supply of 200MMCFDs gas was ensured to KP.