Updated on
Summary The authorities have approved three-day CNG load shedding in Punjab and two days in Sindh.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved closure of CNG stations for three days in Punjab and for two days a week in Sindh under the new load management plan. The ECC has also approved Rs 2 billion Ramazan subsidy on edibles.The ECC met under the chair of Federal Petroleum Minister Naveed Qamar and approved the Ramazan subsidy and new CNG closure schedule.Under the Ramazan package, pulses, ghee, dates, flour will be sold on subsidised rates at utility stores.The ECC however put off the matter of incease in gas prices pending cnsultations with the PM and the federal cabinet. Nepra was allowed tariff amendment for IPPs while Kayal Khawar Hypropower Project was also approved.Earlier, Petroleum Secretary Chaudhry Ijaz said that a proposal for CNG load shedding for three days is being considered. He also said that if the shortage of gas persisted, people should be prepared to face up five days of gas load shedding. However, outage of gas for the industry may be reduced from three days to two days.The National Assembly Standing Committee for Petroleum and Natural Resources was briefed that OGRA violated the ban and issued 476 licenses to CNG stations. Sardar Talib Nakai chaired the committee meeting.Acting OGRA Chairman Mansoor Muzaffar Ali admitted that rules were violated while issuing these licenses. The committee took strong exception to the disclosure and ordered action against the guilty.At present, CNG stations are required to shut for two days a week. The closure of CNG stations for three days would add to motorists’ miseries who already brave long queues at CNG stations to get comparatively cheaper fuel.
