Pakistan warning over CNG prices

Many Pakistanis are angered by power cuts and a recent food price hike

The Pakistan government says it may take action against compressed natural gas (CNG) stations for continuing to overcharge customers.

Gas stations have been accused of charging too much following confusion over price rises on Monday.

The government initially raised CNG prices by 36% to 52 rupees (75 cents) a kilogram. Later it said the rise should have been to only 43 rupees.

Many stations say the lower rate does not cover taxes and other overheads.

They have been charging 68 rupees.

The BBC's M Ilyas Khan in Karachi says the differences over the prices have led to arguments and fights between drivers and gas station workers.

Some estimates say that motorists around Pakistan may have paid more than half a million dollars extra for CNG since Monday.

The government says there are some 2,000 CNG stations in Pakistan.

Both Pakistan and Bangladesh raised fuel prices this week as world fuel prices continued to rise.