LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Monday criticised the government for not restoring gas supply to the industry in Punjab and urged it to fulfill its commitment.

In a statement, LCCI President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said that on January 7, 2012, a commitment was made with all stakeholders in the province that the two-day gas supply to the industry would be restored on Jan 11.

'It is unfortunate that the government has not honoured its commitment. Today is the 23rd day that the entire industry is without gas, causing a loss of around Rs100 billion and putting at stake the jobs of 15 million people who are attached with the industry directly or indirectly. If the authorities knew that they would not be able to restore gas, they should have at least taken us into confidence,' he said.

'Due to bad governance, Pakistan's exports had declined by 11 per cent in the month of December and are likely to suffer new lows unless the energy crisis is addressed. How would the trade and industry be able to pay the markup and other liabilities when there is no production? Only last year the industry was given gas for 200 days while it had paid markup of 365 days on its loans,' he said.