Pakistan to boost CNG use

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Pakistani cabinet eliminated the 5% customs duty on the import of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and zero-rated the sales tax on the import of public transport, including CNG buses. The duty exemption is expected to improve LPG supply and bring price stability. The decision to zero-rate the sales tax on the import of public transport is expected to improve the public transport industry in the country. In addition, the ECC meeting also approved the renewable energy policy prepared by the Ministry of Water and Power. However, salient features of the policy were not discussed. (December 6, 2006)