PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi has written a letter to the Prime Minister of Pakistan over the suspension of gas supply to the CNG sector in the province, urging immediate resolution of the issue.
In his letter, the chief minister demanded an end to the suspension of gas supply to the CNG sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that the province is a major producer of natural gas and should not be deprived of its constitutional rights.
He noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces approximately 494 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas, while its own consumption is only around 120 MMCFD.
KP governor, CM Sohail Afridi discuss wheat supply, CNG crisis
The letter further stated that the CNG sector in the province requires 36 to 40 MMCFD of gas, which has reportedly been diverted to the fertilizer sector. The chief minister warned that the suspension of gas supply to CNG stations could create unrest and law and order challenges in the province.
He added that under Article 158 of the Constitution, a gas-producing province has the first right of use over its resources. He also mentioned that the Peshawar High Court has already termed the closure of CNG stations as unfair.
The chief minister highlighted that thousands of jobs are at risk due to the closure, while the transport sector heavily depends on CNG. He warned that reliance on expensive fuel would further burden the public.
Sohail Afridi urged the Prime Minister to immediately restore gas supply to the CNG sector and also called for a meeting of the Council of Common Interests, requesting that the matter be included on its agenda.