The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Tuesday lauded the decision of the government to include representatives of consumers and business chambers in formulating policy for fixing CNG prices. Besides officials of Ogra, APCNGA, CNGDA, and Ministry of Petroleum, the sub-committee of the ECC has asked Network for Consumer Protection, Islamabad and Women's Chamber of Commerce to attend the meeting scheduled on Wednesday which is a very positive development, it said.

Earlier, committees lacked representation of owners, consumers and business chambers making their decisions questionable, said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW. He said that inclusion of all stakeholders will save them from losses and help government avoid controversies. The committee headed by Law Minister Farooq H Naek seems to be interested in resolving the issue, he added.

He said that the absence of Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain and Secretary Petroleum from Monday's meeting has raised concerns among some stakeholders. Dr Murtaza Mughal said that the CNG price can be reduced remarkably if government reduces taxes or impose similar gas price and taxation which will provide relief to millions. He said that this is a purely administrative or executive domain but injustice, lack of interest on the part of the government functionaries and absence of sense of urgency allows the intervention of the courts to safeguard the rights of masses.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012