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Summary Advisor on Petroleum said the new CNG prices notified on Thursday were interim.
Advisor on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain has said that the new CNG prices notified yesterday are not final and actual prices would be fixed after consultations with stakeholders on first of the next month.In an interview with Radio Pakistan‚ he said the Supreme Court too had asked OGRA to determine price by first of next month and OGRA would conduct a hearing on Tuesday for the purpose.To a question he said the Government would plead before the Supreme Court against de-linking of CNG-Petrol parity as the country cannot afford use of gas as cheaper fuel in the face of ever-increasing demand.Asked about the reaction of CNG stations‚ the Advisor said they were used to enjoy huge profits but now the margin will have to be reduced by OGRA. He was of the view that ultimately some benefit would go to the consumer as far as actual price determination of the gas is concerned.Dr. Asim said CNG stations should not create difficulties for consumers by threatening to close down during Eid days. He said instructions have been issued to gas companies to disconnect supply of gas of such stations.The Advisor said the Government has already taken two initiatives to discourage misuse of gas as cheaper fuel. No new licenses for opening of CNG were issued and the policy of no extension for those gas stations that completed their ten year life has been adopted. To another question he said considerable progress has been made towards import of LNG but it would not be a cheap source of energy‚ although it would be cheaper than furnace oil.
