Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday assured the steel industry of resolution of its problems, especially the issue of gas theft, on high priority. Hammad Azhar, vice chairman of Pakistan Steel Re-rolling Mills Associations (PSRMA) met the Prime Minister to discuss the issues and problems faced by the industry.
Hammad informed the Prime Minister that currently the steel industry especially re-rolling mills were facing several problems including gas theft and high cost of production. He said some re-rolling mills in Punjab are involved in gas theft with the help of some Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) officials, which is hurting the industry.
Re-rolling mills involved in gas theft are selling steel products at lower rates and destabilising the steel industry directly, he added. "The exchequer is also suffering millions of rupees losses on account of duties and taxes collected through utility bills," he said.
He requested the Prime Minister to take immediate action against the culprits involved in the theft without any discrimination. The Prime Minister assured the delegation that he would look into these matters on priority basis and would soon issue directives for proper investigation into gas theft. He said the government is committed to providing all necessary facilities to local as well as foreign investors to boost the country's economy.
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