Trade bodies decry gas price rise from July 1
FAISALABAD, June 26: Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has termed increase in gas tariff from July 1 as detrimental to the sector and feared closure of industrial units, rendering thousands jobless as a result.
Talking to newsmen here on Monday, PTEA chairman Rana Arif Tauseef said the raise in gas price would affect the process of industrialisation and decrease textile exports.
Criticising the government for its apathetic treatment of textile industry, he said in Bangladesh gas rate for captive power plant was very much lower than the tariff in Pakistan and the huge difference in prices of gas was a major hurdle for Pakistani exporters to compete in international market.
He claimed that the rates of wages, electricity and water in Pakistan were far higher as compared to India, China and Bangladesh.
Mr Tauseef said export refinance in Pakistan was also comparatively high as compared to India.
GUJRANWALA: The Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry, other trade organisations and domestic consumers have strongly opposed the proposal of enhancing gas tariff by a maximum of 22.5 per cent.
At a meeting held here on Monday presided over by GCCI president Akhlaq Ahmed Butt, the participants said hike in gas prices would further increase production cost, rendering Pakistani products uncompetitive in world market.
They demanded withdrawal of the proposed increase in gas tariff in larger interest of the country.
BAHAWALPUR: Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) president Mehboob Nasir Chaudhry has expressed his concern over the reported decision of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to increase gas charges in the country from July 1.
In a statement from Britain, where he was on a visit, Mr Nasir said the increase in gas tariff twice a year would severely affect the industry and the economy.
He urged the government to withdraw the proposed hike in gas prices.