The CNG pump owners anger is not without reason. The All Pakistan CNG Association as well as All Pakistan Petroleum Retailers Association have announced to resort to an indefinite strike from April 13 in Punjab against weekly gas loadshedding. According to the details that transpired during the press conference on Friday, it is quite alarming to note that virtually all CNG pumps across Punjab would remain closed on next Wednesday. It has been warned that the strike can be continued till gas holidays are ended. They are absolutely right in complaining that the gas that is being given to the province is not in consonance with the demand and hence is not only having an adverse impact on their own business but is also paralysing industry and bringing traffic in the entire province to a grinding halt. A casual glace at the CNG pumps anywhere in major cities of the province would show long lines of cars round the clock in order to get the gas. Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif had earlier accused the federal government of blatant discrimination vis--vis Punjab and had called for resumption of normal supply but unfortunately to no avail. It must also be realised that Punjab is home to a large number of industrial units whose contribution to the countrys economy is considerable especially in terms of revenue generation and provision of employment. Also because of unstable law and order situation in Sindh and particularly because of the extortion mafia in Karachi, many entrepreneurs have shifted their business to Punjab. It is in the interest of economy that the federal government restores proper supply on an immediate basis. The CNG Associations contention that since the total demand of filling stations in the province is only 140 mmcf, the federal government can conveniently make this quantity available must be given due thought. It is easy to predict the fallout of the strike on the national economy. The chaos must be avoided before it occurs.