PPI Original Text (PPI-OT) – Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has termed strike call as unjustified and uncalled for by Compress National Gas Dealers Association

Islamabad, June 05, 2012 (PPI-OT): This is apropos news published in various newspapers regarding indefinite strike announced by the CNG Dealers Association against imposition of new levy (Cess) on CNG Sector. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has termed the call for strike as unjustified and uncalled for.

It is clarified that no decision regarding imposition of levy / cess has yet been taken so far and the office bearers of all Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) were apprised by the Secretary Petroleum during meeting today. The cess will be imposed in phases and on all sectors after due consultation with stakeholders.

CNG Sector is an important stakeholder and the government has provided substantial relief to them in the gas load management plan. The Ministry of Petroleum has always taken the APCNGA on board while making important decisions and the concerns of CNG Sector are always given due weightage as this sector is a significant contributor to national economy in terms of taxes and tariff.

The government’s top priority is to supply natural gas to the domestic consumers, while other sectors including CNG, Industry, Fertilizer, Power and Textile Sectors are also regarded as important stakeholders, which are to be supplied with gas on the basis of availability.

Mr. Muhammad Ejaz Chaudhry, Secretary Petroleum has said that CNG sector is an important stakeholder and it is expected of them that they will act with a sense of responsibility in this crisis situation. Cooperation of APCNGA and CNG Dealers Association is imperative so that sufficient supply of gas is available for domestic consumers; therefore, the call of strike by CNG Sector is not justified.

For more information, contact:
Ministry for Petroleum and Natural Resources
Tel: +9251 921 0220 -9206416
Fax: +9251 921 3180
Email: minister@mpnr.gov.pk