PESHAWAR: CNG stations observed a complete strike against an increase in the price of natural gas here on Wednesday evening troubling motorists and commuters.

The strike call was given during a sit-in staged by owners of CNG stations on the University Road in the afternoon.

The announcement led to long queues of vehicles at filling stations.

Addressing the University Road protest, leaders of the All Pakistan CNG Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announced that the CNG stations would be closed across the province against the recent gas rate hike.

They warned the strike would continue for an indefinite period if the federal government didn’t withdraw gas price hike. The protesters held placards and banners and shouted slogans against authorities.

Provincial chairman of the association Fazal Moqim Khan said the sudden increase in gas tariff was unjust not only for the CNG sector but also for consumers, so it was unacceptable.

He said natural gas was produced in the province but its smooth supply was denied to residents, who were also subjected to an unjustified price hike.

Association leaders Khalil Khan of Mardan, Haji Tahir Ali of Malakand and Swat, Haji Zarif Khan of Charsadda, Asif Zaman Khan of Kohat, Shiraz Ahmad of Abbottabad, Asif Khan of Mansehra as well as Maqsood Anwar, Ghalib Khan and Minhajuddin were present on the occasion.

The speakers said at a time when record inflation and unemployment rates had caused serious troubles for people, including businesspersons, a hike in gas prices by the federal government had paralysed the CNG and transport sectors. The protest suspended traffic for some time.

Meanwhile, the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged the government to withdraw the “unprecedented” increase in gas price.

During a meeting with small factory owners and representatives at the Chamber’s House here, SCCI president Fuad Ishaq said the gas price hike would badly hit businesses and industries, so the economy would suffer.

The visitors were led by president of the Small Industrialists Association Kohat Road Peshawar Wahid Arif Awan.

They included senior association member and former SCCI president Maqsood Anwar Pervaiz and owners and representatives of small manufacturing units, according to a statement.

Mr Ishaq asked the government to review agreements with independent power producers and ensure smooth power supply to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers at subsidised rates.

He sought special incentives and schemes for the business community and investors to bring about prosperity and development in the province.

The SCCI leader demanded permission for trade with Afghanistan, Iran and China in Pakistani rupee and the status of most favoured nation for those countries.

He said the hike in electricity and gas prices didn’t favour the economy, business and industrial growth, so it should be withdrawn.

Mr Ishaq linked the country’s progress with economic prosperity, which, he said, was possible through the provision of facilities and special incentives to the business community.

He urged the government to supply electricity to industries on “wheeling charges”, eliminate fixed power charges, and charge consumers as per load consumption.

“High electricity tariff has made it really hard for industrialists to run their manufacturing units in the province,” he said, adding that industry closure is generating unemployment.

The SCCI chief said electricity rates should be equally applied to all businesses and sectors.

He said the rights promised in Article 158-A of the Constitution should be granted to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mr Ishaq told small industrialists that he would take up their issues with authorities in an effective manner.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2023