LCCI opposes raise in POL prices

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry has feared of dire economic consequences if government increases the prices of petroleum products that are already high and pinching the trade & industry. LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said that increase in petroleum prices at this critical stage when caretaker setup is going to hold the system, would add fuel to the fire and would give a big blow to the trade, industry and ultimately to the economy.
He said the economic indicators are not in the favour of economy. No sector would be left unaffected if government goes against the ground realities and increases POL prices which are one of the basic raw materials for the industry and a must for trade and economic activities.
"Government should cut down non-development expenditures instead of dropping petrol bomb on the trade and industry which is already struggling for survival. Industry would not be able to contribute in economic uplift of the country if anti-industry decision is taken", he said and added that though oil prices in the international market are on the rise but instead of passing this surge to the trade, industry and masses, government should cut the number of taxes and duties levied on petroleum products.
The LCCI President said it is not the industrial sector alone but the agriculture sector would also badly suffer. Pakistan agriculture sector is engine of growth and the increase in petroleum prices would push the input cost of agriculture production up as high speed diesel is being used in tractors, tube-wells, harvesters, thrashers and other agriculture machinery.
Senior Vice President Khawaja Khawar Rashid and Vice President Zeshan Khalil said that the cost of thermal generation by private sector to go up. The government is producing huge amount of electricity through thermal means and after increase in petroleum prices, prices of electricity would touch new highs, they said.
Lahore Chamber had for the last many years been calling on the concerned government circles to take measures for the promotion of alternate fuels as trade deficit was fast widening due to heavy imports under the head of petroleum products, they said. The LCCI office-bearers demanded of the government to move wisely and turn down any suggestion of increase in POL prices as who are doing it, they have no know how of the challenges being faced by the trade, industry and economy.