Updated on
Summary All Pakistan CNG Association closed CNG stations across the country for indefinite period.
The action has been taken as a reaction against imposition of Cess tax on SNG.A countrywide strike call given by Central Chairman All Pakistan Compressed Natural Gas Association (APCNGA), Abdul Ghyas Paracha for the closure of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations is being observed in all provinces excluding Balochistan.In Lahore, a large number of traders and drivers gathered at the Shadman Chowk and blocked road by torching tyres. Protesters were of the view that their mercantile activities have already been perished by loadshedding of gas for three days a week. If current tax is imposed, it would be impossible to run the business.They also said that special lobby was active in order to facilitate the LPG mafia for their vested interests; that is why CNG Association has announced to seal the stations for uncertain time.The protestors also said that with the imposition of new tax, there will be little difference between the prices of CNG and petrol.The strike had been announced for an indefinite period to demand the withdrawal of the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) and filling stations reportedly closed down at twelve midnight.The strike call forced motorists to fill the gas cylinders of their vehicles, which created a great rush at gas stations and long queues were witnessed at filling stations all over the country.Ghyas Paracha announced for protests in Lahore and has planned a sit-in in the federal capital on 7th June.The Balochistan CNG dealers declined to be part of the strike call and the dealers association announced that all CNG stations would remain open in the province.
