The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Association Front (PIAF) on Wednesday urged the government to reject the NEPRA (National Electric and Power Regulatory Authority) summary suggesting electricity tariff increase of Rs3.81 per unit. PIAF Chairman Mian Nauman Kabir said that increase in power tariff would have devastating impact on the trade and industry. Instead of providing relief to the masses, the tariff increase would cause severe price hike in daily use items that would add burden to the consumers, he said.
He said proposed increase in power tariff would push electricity price to Rs 15.50 per unit which would be unfair with the public in general and industry in particular. He asked the government to curtail taxes and duties on petroleum products so that power tariff could be brought down. He held the previous regime responsible for establishing costly power projects in the country.
The PIAF office-bearer said the country is already facing shortage of foreign exchange reserves because of diminishing exports. The increase in input cost will have further adverse impact on the export-oriented industry as local products would not be able to compete in the international markets. If government wants to enhance exports, it will have to reduce the electricity and gas prices, he maintained.
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