KARACHI, March 15: Pakistan Metal Containers Manufacturers Association (PMCMA) has forecast acute shortage of commodities as many container making units have partially closed their operations due to shortage of iron and steel products.

The shortage of iron and steel products coupled with exorbitant increase in their prices are forcing the manufacturers of containers to increase the prices of finished goods.

Chairman PMCMA, Munawwar A. Malik, in a press release, feared that acute shortage of commodities is likely in the markets. The products, thus feared to go out of stocks are, ghee, edible oil, powdered milk and drink, boot polish, lubricants, insecticides, pesticides, talcum powder and cosmetics packed in aerosol containers.

He also showed his concern over the government's decision announcing cut in prices of steel used for construction purpose and ignoring difficulties of tin can manufacturing industry.

Auto parts makers are still facing problems due to rising steel products prices. Chairman Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), Syed Nabeel Hashmi said that he has received communications from many members complaining of their customers who are turning a deaf ear to the recent hike in raw material prices.

Many of our suppliers are just not in a position to continue supplies if local auto assemblers did not revise and adjust prices of components immediately, he said in a statement.

He said he intended to take up this issue with the Engineering Development Board and the Ministry of Industries. It would lead to stoppage of assembly lines and PAAPAM does not want any of its parts suppliers to be blamed for it, he added.

Nabeel said he had issued a price increase advisory to all our members and also to the assembly plants including Pak Suzuki, Indus Motor, Al Ghazi Tractors, Millat Tractors, Dewan Group, Sohrab and Honda.

Chairman Advisory Board of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Shaikh Manzar Alam, on the on-going steel crisis, urged the government to take effective measures in controlling the prices of building material so that people could be provided shelter at cheaper rates.

He said the construction was facing crisis following rising trend in construction material prices and the industry may collapse if prices of steel and cement are not brought under control.