Punjab suffered for three years due to political distribution of gas

Caretaker Govt asked to ensure fair distribution of gas

Govt must choose between interests of masses, elite

Punjab suffered for three years due to political distribution of gas

7-day gas supply to Pubjab to consume only one pc of national gas output

APCNGA ready to help resolve energy crisis

Dated March 28

The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Thursday demanded 7-day gas supply to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations all over Punjab as weather has returned to normal state reducing demand for the natural gas by domestic consumers.

Restoration of gas supply in Punjab would result in extra consumption of only 15 mmcfd gas per day while seven-day supply will result in additional consumption of around 60 mmcf only, said Chairman of the Supreme Council APCNGA Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha.

In a statement issued here today, he said that ending gas load shedding for CNG sector in Punjab would consume mere one per cent of the total national gas output while it will benefit millions, guarantee thousands of jobs, contain inflation and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Caretaker government should revisit load shedding schedule to provide relief to masses who have braved unprecedented gas load shedding in Punjab all the way through last three years that took toll on daily life, economy and the foreign exchange reserves, he added.

Paracha said that in past policies were framed disregarding the interests of masses including 80 million commuters who use public transport.

He said that CNG sector is getting three-day gas supply in Punjab during which sixteen hours load shedding takes toll on the business and add to miseries of the masses. Officially, Punjab is getting gas for three days while it is equal to one-day supply due to the load shedding, he added.

CNG and urea sectors having no alternate for gas were being strangulated while some influential were provided extra gas despite ban and gas prices were frequently reduced for them, said Paracha.

Government must take steps to rescue the CNG sector and ensure smooth sailing, especially in Punjab otherwise this sector with Rs 400 billion investments will crumble due to unfavourable environment, he said.

The leader of the CNG sector said that Punjab remained exposed to unjust load shedding as compare to any other province for political reasons; now we hope that caretaker government will maintain proper and just equilibrium.

Time has come for the authorities to choose between interests of elite and masses.

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Pak-China rapidly boosting economic, cultural cooperation

Pak-China rapidly boosting economic, cultural cooperation

Beijing committed to invest heavily in Pakistan’s energy, other sectors

Bilateral trade up by 70 per cent in five years, Pakistan’s exports grow over 100 pc

Islamabad: March 28

Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy Mr. Yao Wen on Thursday said bilateral relations between Pakistan and China are rapidly growing to new heights.

He said that Beijing is committed to invest heavily in Pakistan’s energy and other sectors so that people of this great nation can enjoy a better life.

Mr. Yao Wen said this while speaking at an award, books, and uniform distribution ceremony held at a local school where students of Chinese origin are also getting free education.

Calling for enhanced collaboration between educational institutions and exchanges of students and researchers, he said that it would be useful to provide fresh ideas and intellectual content for strengthening our unmatched partnership.

Successive generations of leaders as well as the masses have always held high the banner of Pakistan-China friendship, said Yao Wen.

He said Chinese are working on 120 projects in Pakistan with around a quarter related to energy that is most important part of our cooperation.

In last five years volume of bilateral trade has grown by 70 per cent to over $ 12 billion with Pakistani exports increased two-fold from $1 billion to $2.2 billion, he informed.

The diplomat informed that Chinese enterprises were entering the Pakistani market while Pakistani businesses were also increasingly looking towards China.

Lauding the role of Islamabad in regional and global peace, stability and development he said that Pakistan has offered great sacrifices to ensure peace.

Speaking on the occasion, President Ex-Chinese Association Raza Khan lauded the Chinese assistance and cooperation in various fields terming it a great service to people of Pakistan. He lauded the active involvement of Chinese Ambassador Liu Jian in capacity building of students.

Supporting needy students is a great service which is ensuring social development, he added.

Raza Khan said we should increase people-to-people exchanges and promote understanding between the people of the two countries which is imperative to carry forward cause of Pak-China friendship.

Terming China a sincere and selfless friend, Joint Secretary Ministry of Education Prof. Muhammad Rafiq Tahir said that two countries should fully unleash their potential of cooperation to benefit masses.

Pakistan and China need to work closely together to seize opportunities and meet challenges; we should focus our efforts on developing the economy and improving people’s well-being, he added.

Around 8,000 Pakistani students are already studying in China and thousands more are preparing to join them.

The chief guest also inaugurated new block in the Peak Montessori and High School.

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PESA Statement

*Rawalpindi: [March 16]*

The Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association (PESA) on Saturday appreciated the independence and courage shown by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

It lauded the support extended by the Supreme Court to the ECP saying that real test of the Chief Election Commissioner will be implementation of the Constitutional conditions and weeding out individuals with tainted past.

Speaking at a meeting, the PESA members hoped that interim government will take appropriate steps to enforce electoral reforms ordered by the Supreme Court and assist the ECP in proper scrutiny of the candidates.

They said that Musharraf, openly violated the Constitution, should be free to return home but at the same time he should face the cases that are registered against him.

Musharraf caused great embarrassment and humiliation through his misadventures like Kargil and Lal Masjid operations and tragedies of Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto and Nawab Akbar Bugti, they added.

The former military ruler brought the war on terror inside Pakistan while the Indus Water  Treaty was mishandled during his era which can turn Punjab into a desert, they said.

They expressed anguish and sorrow at the inhuman destruction of Joseph Colony at Lahore terming it lowest form of governance.

Mass killings of Hazaras amount to ethnic genocide while inaction against the culprits and cash awards to the affected people cannot wash the humiliation in the international community, they added.

Religious leaders should spread the principles of human values, equality and freedom.

PESA office bearers expressed concern over the on-going anti-Army campaign aiming to destroy integrity and strength of the force that is defending country’s geographical and ideological frontiers.

Despite this campaign, the masses retain their total faith in the Armed Forces, it was observed in the meeting.

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Rs 2.3 trillion wasted on bleeding PSEs, none could swing to profit

*Govt leaves legacy of incompetence, corruption*

*Rs 2.3 trillion wasted on bleeding PSEs, none could swing to profit*

Islamabad: Dated: March 17

The Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) said on day Sunday the democratic government has left a legacy of massive corruption and incompetence pushing country and masses into total gloom.

Those who take politics as a lucrative business secured their future through plunder while leaving 180 million people insecure, said Farida Rashid, President IWCCI.

Speaking to business community, she said that last five years would be remembered as a black chapter in the history of Pakistan.

The government made new records of incompetence, corruption, nepotism, lawlessness, bulldozing laws and clash of the institutions, she added.

Farida Rashid said that most of the economic, fiscal, foreign and internal policies of the government met with failure while Pakistan faced international disgrace on various occasions.

Government continued to plunder national resources during five years but made a history of loot during its last few days, she observed.

She said that almost all the policies were made to please nobility which took toll on Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), rupee lost value, record loans were borrowed while collections and forex reserved dwindled.

Government failed to provide enabling environment, improve law and order as well as the circular debt contributing to flight of capital, shifting of industrial units and brain drain.

Incoherent policies left millions jobless while 10 million youth stepped in the job market with no opportunities available. Even the largest urban employment providing sector of textile failed to create a single job, she informed.

Farida said that oil and gas exploration was systematically discouraged to justify import of costly fuel for which the CNG sector was also destroyed.

Government took around Rs 2.7 trillion loans from international lenders out of which 2.3 trillion were used to finance politically run Public Sector Enterprises but none could come out of losses to become profitable entity.

Unprecedented corruption estimated at Rs 1800 billion, shook the foundations of the country and put its very survival.

Masses must learn a lesson as Pakistan cannot afford another round of such democracy, observed Farida Rashid.

--

Farida Rashid,

President, IWCCI

(Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce & Industry)

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Penalising Pakistan against US interests, to make US withdrawal difficult

*PEW terms pipeline development greatest achievement of the Government*

*Decision balanced Pakistan’s relations with Iran, Arab world, dignity

enhanced*

*Penalising Pakistan against US interests, to make US withdrawal difficult*

*US apathy towards Islamabad’s economic compulsions resulted in rapid

development on gas project*

*March 13*

The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Wednesday said inauguration of Pakistani portion of Iran gas pipeline, economically and strategically crucial for the future of our country, is the greatest achievement of the incumbent Government.

This historic decision, taken after a long delay, will help attract investment, provide jobs, and revive sliding economy while it has renewed hopes among dejected masses and business community reeling under severe energy crisis, it said.

The decision shows that Pakistan has decided to put its own interests ahead of the interests of all other nations and it is unwilling to sacrifice economy for the sake of the sole super power which has helped government gain global admiration, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW. 

President Zardari’s bold step will result in enhanced regional connectivity while balancing Pakistan’s relations with Iran and the Arab world to enhance our dignity among comity of nations, he added.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that slapping sanctions on Pakistan is against US interests, as it will have negative impact on war on terror and make US withdrawal from Afghanistan difficult.

He said that that American apathy towards Islamabad’s economic compulsions resulted in rapid developments related to the project, which have surprised many independent observers.

US continued to offer costly and unviable solutions to Pakistan’s energy problems including TAPI but it refused to sign a Civil Nuclear Agreement as she did with India which was discrimination with an important ally, Dr. Murtaza Mughal noted.

The decision will go a long way in ensuring energy security for Pakistan and improve our energy mix heavily tilted towards oil.

He warned that Iranian gas will of little use if government failed to introduce power sector reforms, attracted investment in exploration and cull circular debt.

--

Dr. Murtaza Mughal

Cell:  0321-5157671

President Pakistan Economy Watch

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United Nations Development Programme hands over Voter Education Kits to the Election Commission of Pakistan

*United Nations Development Programme hands over Voter Education Kits to

the Election Commission of Pakistan*

*Islamabad, 13 March, 2013*

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in  Pakistan handed over the first set of voter education materials to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) today in preparation for the upcoming general elections. Voter education kits including stickers, posters, t-shirts, caps, pens and badges have been sent to the provincial, regional and district field offices of the ECP to support them in their significant work of reaching out to voters.

Mr. Marc-André Franche, Country Director, UNDP Pakistan said, “Citizens well versed on their rights and obligations and knowledge of the crucial issues at the center of the debate is a corner stone of democratic culture, which in turn is crucial for sustainable human development.  Together with the ECP and other partners, we are working to increase the number of voters in these elections particularly women, first time voters and minority groups.”

UNDP supported the ECP to train more than two hundred of its regional and district officers on voter education earlier this year. This is the first time in the ECP’s history that its officers have been trained on such a crucial issue. These voter education materials will be used by the ECP’s district officers in their outreach activities with community leaders, civil society organizations and colleges. ECP officers in all districts across Pakistan are informing voters about the forthcoming elections, motivating them to check their voter registration details and vote on the election day.

According to the ECP, turnout in the 2008 elections was a mere 44 percent. The ECP’s goal for these elections is at least 63 percent. UNDP, together with UN Women is actively supporting the ECP in producing voter education materials and implementing a nationwide media campaign in the weeks leading up to the elections to encourage greater interest and participation in the elections especially by women and the youth.

UNDP is assisting the Election Commission of Pakistan in areas such as training, results management and voter education through a three year electoral cycle support project supported by the Governments of Australia, Norway and the European Union. With the support of UNDP and in close collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems(IFES), the ECP has launched a voter education campaign targeted at inclusion of youth and women, as well as a new elections results management system for upcoming national and provincial elections.

For further information and media assistance, please contact, Fatimah Inayet, Communications Analyst, Communication Unit, UNDP.

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Pakistan paying heavy price for running power plants on furnace oil, gas

*Pakistan paying heavy price for running power plants on furnace oil, gas*

*Coal’s share in global power generation at 41 pc, negligible in Pakistan*

*March 13*

The Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) said on Wednesday converting furnace oil based power plants to Thar coal can help save five billion dollars per annum being spent on import of furnace oil which is around 40 per cent of the energy mix.

Coal is the cheapest fuel for producing electricity with 41 per cent share in global power generation, its share in world’s energy mix has recorded increase of 5.4 per cent but it is yet to get proper attention in Pakistan, it said.

Pakistan import oil bill has been estimated to touch mark of $ 50 billion by 2025 which necessitates usage of Thar coal for power generation, said Farida Rashid, President IWCCI.

With 1004 billion tonnes of coal reserves left and global consumption estimated at 9.98 billion tonnes by 2030, Pakistan can become a major player with 175 billion tonnes of coal, she said while talking to business community.

She said that we are paying heavy price for running power plants on furnace oil and natural gas while the slow pace of the government’s decision to convert some power plants on coal is unsatisfying.

Farida Rashid said that switching on coal should be made easier for the private power producers seeking permission since long. She said that some two billion dollars could also be saved by ensuring merit in provision of gas to the power plants.

Coal accounts for over 50 per cent of US power generation while India is expected to overtake America by 2025. South Africa’s 93 per cent and China's 68.7 per cent electricity comes from coal, she informed.

Conversion of power plants on coal will cut oil import bill, reduce borrowings, clip subsidies, bring production cost down, help cull circular debt, bridge budgetary gap, betterment and improve balance of payments position, said Farida Rashid.

*--*

Farida Rashid,

President, IWCCI

(Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce & Industry)

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CNG sector using only 6.9 per cent gas, has no alternative, gas being provided to influential sectors illegally

*APCNGA Starts Hunger Strike To Safeguards Interests Of 80 Million People,
3.7 Million Car Owners, Rs 400 Billion Investment And End To Loadshedding*

*Move to destroy CNG sector to introduce LPG, LNG failed, controversial
decisions should be taken back*

*CNG sector using only 6.9 per cent gas, has no alternative, gas being
provided to influential sectors illegally*

*SC notice on corruption in LPG welcomed, termed support of APCNGA stance*

*Dated March 12*
The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Tuesday commenced hunger
strike to protect interests of 80 million masses using CNG-powered vehicles
for transportation, 3.7 million owners of vehicles using economical fuel,
safeguard Rs 400 billion investment in the CNG sector and bring end to
unjust loadshedding.

We are protesting anti-CNG policies of the government, politically
motivated gas distribution, 5-day gas load shedding in Punjab, continuous
maltreatment, and abuse of power by authorities, said Ghiyas Abdullah
Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA while speaking to reporters in the
hunger strike camp.

Leaders of APCNGA from across country including  Fazal Muqeem, Pervaiz
Khattak, Fayaz Gillani, Abid Hayat, Brig. Iftikhar, Irfan Ghauri, Syed
Sabzwari, Tariq Malik, Ashar Haleem, Malik Zulfiquar, Anjum Riaz and others
were also present on the occasion.

Ghiyas Paracha said that in a bid to introduce costly imported LNG and LPG
to benefit few influential, government has been systematically destroying
CNG sector which will be resisted.

He said that efforts to familiarise masses with costly liquid fuels met
with failure despite the fact that gas crisis was engineered to justify the
wrongdoing.

However, he said, in the process millions of jobs were lost, masses were
punished and deprived of economical transportation and investment of around
Rs 400 billion was put on stake, he said.

Paracha said that APCNGA has been blowing whistles over massive, continued
and unprecedented corruption in the petroleum ministry while recent move of
the Supreme Court to take notice of corruption in the LPG import scam
proves that our stance was just and based on irrefutable facts.

Some influential officials and crooked businessmen have shaped a gang to
deprive masses of their rights, relieve them of their hard earned money and
lay waste to our investments, he said, adding that plundering national
resources will not be allowed come what may.

A mafia has been suing energy crisis to increase personal fortunes and they
come up with another idea in case of failure of former move, Paracha
informed.

He said that many owners of CNG filling stations from all across Pakistan
are not being provided gas since one and a half years despite directives of
the Prime Minister and courts which is devastating their Rs 10 billion
investments.

On October 04, 2011 and Jan 01, 2013 the Prime Minister issued orders to
provide gas to our CNG outlets but it could not be implemented due to
friction between petroleum ministry and Ogra.

The all-powerful bureaucracy also violated the orders of High Courts
directing implementation of PM’s orders, he added.

New CNG stations will not enhance the usage of gas but distribute load
which will relieve masses that have to wait for hours to get their tanks
refilled.

Ghiyas Paracha demanded reversal of all the anti-CNG moves, abandoning
projects which are to benefit few and reduce gas loadshedding duration in
Punjab.

He asked the incoming government to revisit all the decision taken by the
incompetent cabal to ensure smooth flow and give break to the masses.

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Merit in gas distribution can save additional $2 billion annually

*IWCCI Suggests Measures To Resolve Energy Crisis*

*Conversion of power plants to coal to save $5 billion per annum*

*Merit in gas distribution can save additional $2 billion annually*

* Coal, key contributor to development remains ignored in Pak*

*Coal based power generation can boost crawling economy*

*Dated: March 12*
The Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) said on
Tuesday government should push power companies using furnace oil to switch
to coal driven low prices, stability and vast supplies for years to come.

Coal is the cheapest and the most common fuel used to produce electricity
and heat in the world, its share in world’s energy mix has hit record high
with 5.4 per cent increase, it said.

With 1004 billion tonnes of known coal reserves left on earth and global
consumption estimated at 9.98 billion tonnes per annum by 2030, Pakistan
can become a major player with 175 billion tonnes of coal, said Farida
Rashid, President IWCCI.

Thar coal is sufficient to meet our fuel requirements for centuries and
help export electricity to regional countries opening door for prosperity
but it remained largely ignored, she said.

Speaking to business community, she said that we are paying a very heavy
price for running power plants on furnace oil and natural gas while the
slow pace of the government’s decision to convert some the furnace oil
based power plants to coal is frustrating.

Conversion of furnace oil based power plants on Thar coal can save around 5
billion dollars of foreign exchange per annum as furnace oil imports stands
at 40 per cent of total petroleum imports that are over 12 billion dollars.

Farida Rashid adding that switching on coal should be made easier for the
private power producers seeking permission since long as conversion to
imported coal will also save billions, she observed.

Conversion will cut oil import bill, reduce borrowings, clip subsidies and
bring production cost down providing relief to domestic, commercial and
industrial consumers, she added.

Farida Rashid said that conversion will also help cull circular debt which
is biggest threat to the economy, bridge budgetary gap, make funds
available for new investment on public welfare and power sector betterment
and improve balance of payments position.

She said that some two billion dollars could also be saved by ensuring
merit in provision of gas to the power plants, a decision implementable
within an hour. This can be ensured by preferring most efficient power
plants irrespective of the fact that they are state-owned or privately
owned units.

Alternatively, government can take steps to improve productivity of
inefficient public sector electricity generation companies which are
preferred in provision of gas.

Business community believes that the resolution to power woes lies in
conversion to relatively stable fuel because volatile global oil prices
have resulted in huge circular debt and unmaintainable generation cost.

Government can consider asking IPPs to convert to coal, largest
carbon-emitting energy source of all, otherwise the circular debt will soon
cross Rs one trillion rupees mark, she warned.

Economy cannot be salvaged in presence of unstable power sector which is
facing many problems none of which is impossible to solve.

Presently, coal is responsible for 41per cent of global electricity
generation, with 1932 coal power plants, coal account for over 50 per cent
of all US electric generation while India with 126 plants is expected to
overtake America by 2025.

South Africa’s 93 per cent and China's 68.7 per cent electricity comes from
coal while Pakistan’s coal-based power production is insignificant. We
should take steps to balance our energy mix and improve dismal per capita
energy consumption to boost economy.
--
Farida Rashid,
President, IWCCI
(Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce & Industry)

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CNG load shedding be stopped, reversal of anti-CNG decision sought

*APCNGA starts hunger strike against Govt policies today (Tuesday March 12)*

*CNG load shedding be stopped, reversal of anti-CNG decision sought*

*Artificial gas crisis should be ended*

*Dated March 11*

The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) has said that it will start hunger strike as per the schedule announced earlier from today (Tuesday March 12) to protest anti-CNG policies of the government.

The hunger strike would be established near Kulsoom Plaza, Blue Area at 12 pm while a press conference will be held at 4 pm, said an announcement.

All the office bearers and members of the APCNGA will participate in the hunger strike, it added.

We are protesting anti-CNG policies of the government, unjust gas distribution, 5-day gas load shedding for CNG sector in Punjab and continuous discrimination by authorities, said Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA.

Government has endangered millions of jobs, deprived masses of facility of economical transportation and destroying investment of around Rs 400 billion, he said.

He said that all the policies are being framed to destroy CNG sector since years, CNG operators are being harassed while Punjab has been subjected to five-day gas loadshedding which amounts to punishing 80 million masses.

Paracha added said that some important officials, hand in glove with influential energy mafia, have laid siege to the CNG sector and made life of masses miserable in a bid to plunder the country.

Energy crisis is being many to multiply personal fortunes which is worst exploitation masses have been made to face, he added.

The leader of the CNG sector said that what we saw in the name of resolving energy crisis was nothing but tactics aimed at personal welfare of the few which has damaged the credibility of the elite.

Ghiyas Paracha demanded reversal of all the anti-CNG moves, abandoning projects which are to benefit few and reduce gas loadshedding duration in Punjab.

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Resuming CNG supply to help masses, pressure on forex reserves

*APCNGA demands 7-day gas supply across Pakistan*

*Independent Commission demanded on causes, consequences of energy crisis*

*Resuming CNG supply to help masses, pressure on forex reserves*

*Silence of ministry over proposal to overcome gas crisis regretted*

*Dated March 10*

The All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) on Sunday sought 7-day gas supply to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations across the stretch of the country as normal weather has subsided demand for the natural gas.

In a statement issued here today, Chairman of the Supreme Council APCNGA Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said that government must revisit loadshedding schedule for CNG sector to resume round-the-clock gas supply until next winter.

Government must end discrimination and provide relief to masses before the dissolution of the assemblies as we have braved unprecedented gas loadshedding which took toll on daily life, economy and the foreign exchange reserves.

Ghiyas Paracha said that reduced demand of gas has improved the supply that can be confirmed from the record of gas distribution companies leaving government with no excuse to continue policy of unjust distribution of resources.

Regretting the continued silence of ministry of petroleum over proposals by APCNGA to get over gas crisis, he said that Government must take steps to rescue the CNG sector and ensure smooth sailing, especially in Punjab reeling under unfavourable policy of the centre based on political confrontation.

The leader of the CNG sector said that Punjab is being penalised by the policymakers and the largest province by population remained exposed to cruel loadshedding as compare to any other province. Reasons are not technical but political, he said.

Paracha said that foreign exchange reserved have touched alarming level while country is unable to sustain imports for two and a half months. In such a scenario, CNG can play a decisive role in cutting the import bill providing some much-needed fiscal space.

Rulers must realise that Pakistan is set to witness widespread political chaos if country fails to create one million jobs per annum without which survival of Pakistan and economic stability would remain far cry, he said.

The energy crisis and the way it is being handled since some years is adding to the vast army of unemployed posing great security threat to country, Paracha noted.

An independent commission should be formed to probe causes and consequences as well as macroeconomic implications of the energy crisis and choking CNG sector which may work as a wakeup call for the authorities who have worked on cross-purposes since years without any objection from the ruling elite.

He said that owners of the CNG filling stations would not accept intentionally engineered gas shortages anymore.

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