the Pakistan government has halted compressed natural gas (cng) supply to all gas stations and industries in the North West Frontier Province (nwfp), Punjab and the capital city of Islamabad. This move follows the recent rupture of two major pipelines connecting the country's gas transmission network with the Sui gas fields in Baluchistan. Sources voiced suspicion that sabotage was the cause of the incident.
The government has set up a high-level committee to probe the incident. "We are, at present, arranging cng from sources other than Sui, in the northern part of the country," revealed Abdullah Yusuf, secretary, petroleum and natural resources, Pakistan.
About 900 small and big industrial units in Punjab and nwfp are said to have been closed temporarily due to the disruption. The incident has had an adverse effect on domestic consumers and the cng-run transport system, with over 300 gas stations falling short of supply. Even, the exchequer will lose Rs 150-million in terms of wastage of gas. The loss to the industrial sector, particularly in Punjab, could be even higher.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.