Majority of CNG stations yet to open in Potohar Region

Rawalpindi
Majority of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in Potohar Region including twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad did not open on Friday as owners of the filling stations failed to submit Rs1.2 million each as security deposit to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).
CNG stations were expected to reopen on Friday across all cities of Punjab after seven months. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources negotiations with officials of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Compressed Natural Gas Association had earlier remained a success, and with the associations assuring that CNG stations would reopen throughout Punjab on Friday.
The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) General Manager Muhammad Zahoor told ‘The News’ they have allowed CNG station owners to reopen their businesses following ‘advance payment’ after the gap of almost seven months. “The station owners should submit the security deposit for reopening of their businesses. But, only owners of two CNG stations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have submitted the security deposit on Friday. “Majority of owners are reluctant to submit the security amount,” he added.
According to sources, the SNGPL has informed station owners to submit Rs1.2 million as security deposit and resumed supply of gas only to those stations whose owners have paid the security amount.
All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) Central leader Ghayas Abdullah Piracha said the matter would be resolved and CNG stations would reopen soon. The CNG stations would remain open till June 6 without any interval, he claimed.
Central leader of the All Pakistan CNG Association Ghayas Abdullah Piracha said CNG stations in Punjab including Potohar Region of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are going to reopen after a gap of around seven months. Ghiyas Paracha said that the decision regarding reopening of CNG stations will help thousands of people get jobs while millions will benefit from affordable fuel.
Moreover, it will improve environment, reduce inflation and replace costly fuel to save foreign exchange. Last year in October, government had decided to shut down all compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in Punjab, the most populated province, for three months in the peak winter season November, December and January. But, government shut down all CNG stations from October and gas supply remained suspended even in the month of May 2015.