CNG body calls strike, meager price cut to be rejected

Addressing a news conference, Chairman All Pakistan CNG Associations Ghayas Paracha condemned the government for “unjust and illegitimate” increase in fuel prices.Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Sunday raised petrol prices by up to 8.2 percent, contrary to the advice to keep prices unchanged.The price of petrol crossed the psychological barrier of 100 rupees and was raised from 97.66 rupees (1.07 dollars) to 105.68 rupees (1.16 dollars) or by 8.2 percent.The price of diesel and high-octane gasoline was increased by 4.5 percent and 7.0 percent respectively. Price of compressed natural gas, an alternate transport fuel, was increased from 77.12 rupees to 88.70 rupees.Meanwhile, recent hike in petroleum products was challenged in the Lahore High Court. Petitioners said the rise would unleash crisis and inflation in the country.They prayed the court to declare the recent hike in the petroleum as null and void.The petitions were filed by Azhar Siddique Advocate and CNG Association. Siddique argued that issue of hike in prices of petroleum prices were under consideration in courts and recent hike was in violation of article 8 of the constitution.On the other hand, commuters, transporters, traders and politicians Monday rejected the government’s expected decision of meager reduction in petrol prices.Sources said the government in view of strong resentment at the unprecedented hike in POL and CNG prices is thinking of a little reduction.However, the commuters, traders and transporters turned down the government’s likely decision to lower petrol prices by 1.5 rupees and diesel by 3 to 4 rupees. CNG prices are nowhere near reduction.All Pakistan Transport Owners Association (APTOA) has already warned that fares would be raised if petroleum prices not brought down.Traders gave an ultimatum of 72 hours to the government to reverse its decision and warned of holding a countrywide campaign of civil disobedience in case their demands were not met.Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) also demanded that the government must reverse its decision by calling it a ‘crime against the public’.--Online