GUJRAT: Soaring raw material prices have adve­rsely affected sales in the electric fan manufacturing industry in the Gujrat and Gujranwala regions during the current season.

The industry has come under immense pressure due to steadily increasing prices of key raw materials such as copper, silver and fan blades.

Manufacturers alleged that a cartel was controlling raw material prices, particularly in the wake of recent tensions in the Gulf and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz over the past couple of months.

They said scrap previously imported from Dubai had become difficult to procure because local dealers, particularly in Gujranwala, were withholding stock to sell at prices of their choosing.

A manufacturer said the price of copper, which stood at around Rs1,000 per kg five years ago, had surged to Rs4,100 per kg during the current manufacturing season.

He said electric fan prices had increased by 15 to 20 per cent per unit, while the cost of doing business had also doubled under the prevailing circumstances.

Manufacturers estimated that electric fan sales could decline by 40 to 50pc during the current season.

Usually, fan manufacturers sell their products to dealers from February to mid-June, with the current period considered the peak season each year.

Manufacturers further said the imposition of smart lockdowns in commercial markets had also contributed to declining sales, while exports of Pakistani-made electric fans could also be affected by tensions in the Gulf region.

They added that pressure from the Federal Board of Revenue to meet tax collection targets had created additional difficulties for local manufacturers, making business operations increasingly challenging.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026