The Prime Minister, as a special case, has lifted ban on issuance of new licences for CNG stations in Balochistan province. Earlier the interim government in January 2008 while reviewing gas and power shortage had decided that no new CNG licences should be given excepts those who have already imported CNG machines. Ogra, accordingly had stopped issuance of new CNG licences in the country. The ban on installation of new CNG stations was imposed with a view to reduce acute gas shortage, due to increasing gas consumption by CNG stations affecting gas supply, to the other sectors, specially to the industrial units. The minister for petroleum & natural resources in response to a question in the Senate by senators from Balochistan in June 08, had assured that ban on new CNG station will be lifted to the extent of Balochistan province, keeping in view the problems faced by the people of Balochistan, since only four CNG stations have been installed in Balochistan. Later, the Governor of Balochistan had also raised the issue with the minister for petroleum and natural resources about CNG stations in Balochistan, as compared to other provinces, which was soar point for the people of Balochistan. In view of the genuine demand of the people of Balochistan and based on the recommendations of the minister for petroleum & natural resources, as a special case, the Prime Minister has approved the removal of the ban on issuance of CNG licences for installation of CNG stations in Balochistan province. The fuel requirements of Balochistan province including that of the CNG stations will be adequately met without any interruption in supplies.