GILGIT, Dec 3: Owners of petrol pumps in Gilgit went on a strike on Friday stopping sales and demanding increase in the supply of fuel from companies. The owners accused the companies of not giving them required quantity of fuel in accordance with the approved quota for the area because they were expecting possible raise in the fuel prices.

A press released issued by petrol pumps owners association said lack of security on fuel stations was also a matter of great concern for them and urged the administration to provide them with adequate security.

The association also called for clearance of outstanding dues by various government departments, which they alleged, some times obtained fuel from the stations forcibly.

The fuel stations owners threatened that in case their demands were not met they would stop sales indefinitely. COLD WAVE: Gilgit-Baltistan, which is situated along the world’s three highest mountain ranges, Hamayla, Karakuram and Hindukush, is facing sever cold wave with temperatures dipping to freezing point.

People have been forced to stay indoors due to harsh weather coupled with chilly wind increasing both consumption and prices of LPG and firewood manifold. Residents are getting dry firewood at Rs500 per 40 kg and wet wood at Rs450 per 40kg, respectively.

The cold has also caused various diseases among the locals, specially hitting hard the children. Water level in rivers has also gone down due to sub-zero temperatures.