http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=24922
Friday, October 09, 2009
By Khalid Mustafa
sISLAMABAD: As if six per cent increase in the power tariff on October 1 was not shocking enough, the government is now set to give a ‘gas burn’ to the public with a 25-50 per cent hike in the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) from December 1, 2009 under the gas load management programme.
The hike, according to government sources, has been necessitated because of the expected unprecedented gas deficit in the forthcoming winter season. The decision will affect some 1.8 million vehicles currently running on CNG.
The aim of the price hike is to increase the CNG price and bring it closer to the petrol prices to discourage its casual, indiscriminate usage. CNG stations may also be forced to close down for some peak hours to save gas for domestic and industrial consumption.
According to a senior government official, the country is to face unprecedented gas deficit of around 850 mmcfd to 1 bcfd if supply from the Qadirpur gas field gets delayed. Musharraf’s era had witnessed a mushroom growth of CNG stations as the government had encouraged use of CNG for vehicles. Consequently, 1.8 million vehicles now run on CNG, consuming a huge chunk of gas reserves.
Right now, the country has 3200 CNG stations, consuming up to 240-250 mmcfd of gas each day. It is now being realised that only public transport should have been allowed to use gas as fuel.
Earlier, the Sui Southern and Sui Northern had suggested to the government to close down the CNG stations for three months from November to January to save about 240-250 mmcft of gas each day. The government rejected the idea for fear of strong public reaction but is now focusing on the ‘rational’ use of gas, which is why increase in the gas price and shutting down of CNG stations during the peak hours is being contemplated.
Meanwhile, the World Bank has communicated to the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) that gas should be made available for thermal powerhouses and has asked the government to reprioritise its gas allocation strategy.
The donor agencies have long been asking the government to give priority to supplying gas to the power sector and industries. But now, ensuring regular supply of gas even for domestic use has become an uphill task.
here is the link....its looks as if this gov is literally tryin to kill off general public....god help us