PESHAWAR: Industrialists and traders have rejected increase in tariff of natural gas by 193 per cent and feared that in case the decision is not withdrawn immediately majority of industrial units will stop functioning, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Fuad Ishaq and All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) former provincial chairman Afan Aziz in their separate statements here on Sunday said that the unprecedented hike in price of natural gas was unacceptable to business community.

They said that production of natural in KP was surplus but even then its people and traders were facing problems due to its shortage and high price.

The SCCI chief said that imposition of blended gas policy in KP where gas production was surplus pushed its industries towards destruction. He termed unjust, deplorable and detrimental policy, saying it should be reviewed to keep the industries functional.

He said that central government after increasing gas prices by 193 per cent was mulling to impose blended gas policy, which was sheer injustice with the business community and industrialists of the province.

The SCCI chief said that government planned to supply natural gas to KP by implementing a blended gas policy with a ratio of 80/20 under which gas rates would further surge for different sectors.

“Not a single industrial gas connection has been given to KP during the past 13 years, contrary to that industrial gas connections have been provided in Punjab, which is discriminatory,” he said.

The SCCI chief said that terrorism and coronavirus pandemic badly affected people and investors in KP. He said that total gas production of KP was approximately 400mmcfds against its 200mmcfds consumption despite the fact that gas was providing at the highest rates to consumers of the province. “It is violation of Article 158-A of Constitution and tantamount to usurping the constitutional rights of smaller federating units.” He alleged.

Mr Ishaq lodged a protest over imposing the blended gas policy on KP, asking the government to review the policy and withdraw it in the best interest of industries, trade and businesses and national economy.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2023