CNG association announces protest outside SSGC office over gas suspension

The All Pakistan CNG Association has announced a sit-in and protest outside the office of Sui Southern Gas Company over continued suspension of gas supply to CNG stations in Sindh.

The announcement was made by the association’s coordinator, Sameer Najam-ul-Hassan, during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club alongside other office-bearers, including Rana Raees and Sameer Gulzar.

The association alleged that while three major shopping centres in Karachi were being supplied 5 MMCFD gas, around 70 CNG stations were not being provided even 1.5 MMCFD. It added that RLNG supply to CNG stations in Sindh has remained suspended since February, leaving stations shut for the last four months.

The association claimed that the number of CNG stations in Sindh had dropped from 660 to just 70, with owners continuing to bear labour salaries and utility bills despite prolonged closure.

Rana Raees said government policies had badly affected the sector, adding that station owners were still paying taxes and other expenses despite having no business. He said the association had also approached the courts, but hearings had yet to take place.

The group urged the Government of Sindh to intervene, citing the example of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where the provincial government had taken steps to reopen CNG stations.