Firdous says govt will ensure gas supply to domestic consumers even at the cost of CNG stations
news agency
SIALKOT
As the gas supply in different parts of the country remains either suspended or is low pressured, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Sunday said that on the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the authorities concerned have been directed to ensure supply of gas to domestic consumers even at the cost of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations.
Addressing a press conference, the SAPM said that there were rumours circulating regarding a hike in gas prices. “The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is merely a regulator, which forwards its input to the government while keeping in view the needs and problems of the people,” she said.
She also said that the premier is aware of the public’s issues and knows that the citizens cannot afford costly gas. “We cannot act on the recommendations put forth by OGRA. We must come up with a realistic strategy so that no additional burden is placed on the people,” she added.
“Winter has gripped the country and there is an increase in gas consumption. Keeping this in mind, there has been a 12 per cent increase in gas pressure while the overall usage has increased by almost 2.5 per cent compared to the corresponding period of last year,” she further said.
It is worth mentioning here that despite the long shutdown of CNG stations, people in localities of Sindh and Punjab as well as other parts of the country are experiencing either suspended gas supply or a total shutdown, depriving the people of an essential household commodity. Moreover, the shutdown of the CNG stations in different parts of the country has further aggravated the plight of the commuters who use public transport on a daily basis. Meanwhile, the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has denied the existence of gas load shedding while also advertising against illegal use of compressors and pumps.
