Daily Times

Sir: The federal minister for petroleum and natural resources, while forewarning gas consumers to be ready for a tough time next year, has made a startling revelation. It was during a meet-the-press at the Karachi Press Club that he disclosed that CNG businesses were making enormous profit of Rs 33 per kg, because they were buying gas from the OGDCL at Rs 23 per kg and selling the product to hapless customers at Rs 56 per kg.

The question arises what role has the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) played in regulating the prices of gas when the CNG stations, as per the minister’s own assertion, are robbing people of their hard-earned money? Why is the government silent about the issue? CNG stations by charging Rs 33 per kg are not only fleecing people but also depriving the national exchequer of considerable funds, which they are saving by purchasing gas at a much cheaper price.

I hope the federal minister for petroleum, who is conscious of CNG stations’ highhandedness in overcharging consumers as well as OGRA’s complicity in the matter, would take action to rationalise the difference between purchasing and selling price. It will bring down the consumer price of CNG immediately and save unfortunate customers from further agony.

UMME RUBAB

Karachi