KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Mian Abrar Ahmad Tuesday expressed deep concern over news report that recent cess levied on gas supply at rate of Rs87 has been lashed by 50 per cent and urged President, Prime Minister and Petroleum Minister to withdraw it.

He said government has to understand that consumer going in court of law is not very common and this is rather unusual. He said that major sector textile contributes 62 per cent in total exports of Pakistan and 42 per cent urban employment is provided by this sector.

“CNG sector might do it as sale price and price of gas is predetermined by government. It might be possible in case of fertilizers but in case of export oriented industry it is not possible as in end it has to go in world open market for sale of its produce. Pakistan is not the only player and with this kind of increase exports which are already reducing would have a very drastic impact,” he added.

He said if Bangladesh, our arch rival in textiles, is providing gas to its industry at more than 50 per cent difference with a zero rated customs regime in European Union it would support Bangladesh and its industry overall.

He said that Bangladesh has achieved US$19 billion textile exports and plans to achieve $25 billion target in year 2015.

“Our textile exports are rowing around $11 to 12 billion and will further reduce. Government needs to differentiate between export oriented sector and must understand competition in world market where even one American cent matters.”

KCCI President said any further increase in gas price cannot be observed in table of costing and government has to segregate the industry if it is very necessary for enhancement. He requested government to appoint international auditor/ cost accountant to find absorption capacity of export oriented sectors.