News
Friday, November 16, 2012
CNG policy needs review to avert disaster: Dr Asim
* Petroleum adviser says CNG be used only in public transport, small vehicles
* 486 cases of POL adulteration since Jan 1, 2011
By Tanveer Ahmed
ISLAMABAD: Speaking in the National Assembly on Thursday, Adviser to the PM on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain said the policy on CNG needs to be revisited as the status quo would lead towards complete disaster.
Although the House disposed off some items on the order of the day, the main thrust remained on CNG and the gas crisis in the country during the question-hour session with Adviser to the PM on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain warning of a bleak gas supply situation in the coming days if corrective measures were not put in place. “The policy on CNG needs to be revisited as the status quo would lead towards complete disaster,” Hussain noted and suggested that only public transport and small vehicles should be allowed to run on CNG by imposing a ban on its use in luxurious vehicles.
The adviser was particularly critical about the role of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), which he believed had no capacity to deliver, necessitating the need for redefining its functions. “This House can direct it by passing a resolution,” Dr Hussain, who unexpectedly received applause from PML-N member Rana Tanveerul Hassan for making efforts to bring matters under control.
Dr Asim Hussain emphasised the nation needed to understand the fact that era of cheap fuel was gone and consumption of CNG in transport sector was fast depleting the gas reserves of the country. Replying to question, he said that around 486 cases of adulteration in petroleum products had been reported since January 1, 2011, up till now, while 486 petrol pumps of the Pakistan State Oil Company Limited have been found involved in adulteration.
“The action taken against such petrol pumps includes possession/removal of the adulterated product by the OMC (oil marketing company); issuance of warning letter or show-cause notices to the company and suspension of the supply of product and credit facility,” said Dr Hussain.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk