Severe difficulties have gripped students, parents, and daily commuters in Peshawar and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after the closure of compressed natural gas (CNG) stations due to an acute gas shortage.
Many school vans and buses have suspended their services because CNG is unavailable. Meanwhile, public transporters who have switched to petrol have sharply increased fares, adding to the financial burden on citizens.
CNG filling stations remained closed for the second consecutive day on Sunday in the provincial capital and several other districts.
In many areas, unannounced natural gas load-shedding has further worsened the situation for domestic and commercial consumers.
School transport badly affected
The shutdown of CNG stations has forced many vehicles to stop operating or switch to more expensive petrol, leading to a fresh increase in transport fares.
School transporters are among the worst affected. Owners of Suzuki vans and buses say running vehicles on petrol is financially unsustainable, leaving them with no option but to park their fleets.
Parents have expressed concern over the disruption in school transport, warning that the situation could affect children’s education and daily routines.
Public transport fares increase
Public transport operators are also facing major challenges. Drivers who have shifted to petrol have already raised fares and warned that if CNG stations remain closed, they may suspend services entirely.
Transporters fear that prolonged closures could bring public movement in the city to a virtual standstill.
Residents demand urgent action
The ongoing gas shortage has once again highlighted the fragile energy situation in the province. Thousands of residents are struggling with both transportation problems and household gas shortages.
Citizens have urged the authorities to resolve the crisis immediately and ensure an uninterrupted supply of CNG and natural gas across the province.
