ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI  - CNG stations remain closed in twin cities for fourth consecutive day due to All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) strike, increasing woes of the general public.
According to sources, owners of petrol pumps joined the strike of APCNGA and closed down their filling stations, as the government is not taking any notice of their strike and not ready to solve the issue and life came to a standstill due to no mobility.
Distressed by the CNG strike, the citizens headed petrol pumps; however afterwards, petrol pumps were closed in several cities including Islamabad and Rawalpindi owing to the shortage of the fuel.
In Islamabad, public transport remained off the road after the CNG stations were closed. Commuters had a harrowing time as they waited for public transport.
Meanwhile, on a tip Sui Gas department has cut down the connection of one CNG station and two petrol pumps in Rahimabad, the pumps are run by APCNGA Central Chairman, Ghayas Abdullah Paracha.  
APCNGA Central Chairman, Ghayas Abdullah Paracha said that the strike would continue till the fulfilment of their demands and if the government does not take any notice they would close down all petrol pumps.
He said that they were in contact with the Petroleum Dealers Association and its office-bearers were ready to close down their filling stations against the imposition of the CESS tax.
CNG Dealers Association Senior Vice Chairman, Afzal Mehar said that the association has their full support, as they are not only fighting for their rights but also for the rights of the general public.
He said if the government would pass the CESS tax then it would be an extra burden on the general public. People are already facing hard time because of high inflation rate and now with increase in the price of CNG it would become very difficult for them to drive their vehicles on CNG, he added.
Afzal Mehar said that the government should take serious notice and cancel this bill as soon as possible to give some relief to the general public.
The worst situation was witnessed in Lahore where CNG closure has entered the sixth day while petrol is now scarce, as the filling stations remained closed while in Multan region people were deprived of CNG on fifth consecutive day.
It should be mentioned here that the citizens in Punjab could not have the fuel gas for five days now owing to the scheduled weekly closure of the gas coupled in tandem with the recent strike.
The CNG association of Faisalabad has decided to join the strike and CNG remain suspended in eight cities of Faisalabad region.
In Peshawar, CNG stations remained closed for third day today while commuters were facing severe problems. However, some stations remained functional at Civil Quarters, Ring Road and Kohat Road where long queues were witnessed.
The situation was not much different in Quetta where partial strike was observed while long queues of customers were witnessed at stations that were selling CNG.
Earlier, CNG dealers in Sindh called off strike after differences emerged with the CNG Association. However under load management schedule, the CNG supply will remain cut off across the province from 9pm on Sunday till 7am on Monday.
Meanwhile, following the strike of CNG, transporters have started fleecing the commuters by charging additional fares without getting approval from the concerning transport authorities.
Large numbers of commuters were seen waiting for transport at various bus stops due to the CNG strike.
Students, government employees and women were among the worst sufferers from lack public transport.
Meanwhile, the transporters who are plying their vehicles on twin cities routes have increased    fare during the so far four day strike on the pretext that they are using petrol.
 “We are forced to pay double fare particularly on the days when CNG supply has been suspended”, said a group of commuters. Commuters and citizens demanded of the concerning authorities to take notice of the situation and to impose fine on the drivers who are charging double fares.