The President of the SITE Association of Industry, Muhammad Kamran Arbi, has condemned the recent increase in gas tariffs as approved by the Economic Coordination Committee and the caretaker government. He has demanded the caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, Federal Minister for Commerce, Industries & Production Dr. Gohar Ejaz and Minister for Energy Muhammad Ali to take back the decision of hike in gas tariff in the larger interest of the national economy and to save the industries from collapse.
He warned that if the decision is not withdrawn, the industries will close down, resulting in a decline in exports and mass unemployment.
In an appeal, Mr Arbi said that the caretaker government assured the business community of a 9 cents per kWh electricity tariff. The assurance brought a sigh of relief and hope for the business community that the new tariff will help reduce production costs, and they will be able to continue production unabated and deliver export orders on time. However, contrary to the assurance given, POL, electricity, and gas tariffs are constantly being increased by the caretaker government.
SITE President added that the national economy is currently passing through a severe crisis. To run an industry is no longer a profitable business. He questioned the Caretaker Prime Minister on how the country’s economy could be stabilised and strengthened without industrial and business activities.
“Unfortunately, the caretaker government has taken no step to provide a competitive environment to industries, lower the cost of production and reignite the engine of the national economy, which has left the industrial community in despair,” Arbi remarked.
SITE President demanded the caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, Federal Minister for Commerce, Industries & Production Dr. Gohar Ejaz and Minister for Energy Muhammad Ali to review the decision to hike gas prices and reduce the same, considering the ground realities.
The utility prices should be fixed after thorough consultation with stakeholders, and they should be justifiable and regionally competitive so that industrial activities continue without hurdles, which would ultimately positively impact the national economy and exports. In case, the gas tariff is not lowered, it will negatively impact the country’s exports.