Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) Chairman Khawaja M Yousuf has expressed deep concern over drastic increase in the prices of petroleum products announced by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) on Sunday.
He said despite government's assurances for not to further increase the POL prices, these had again been enhanced considerably. The increased prices of petroleum products would not only affect industrial productivity but also adverse impact on country's overall economy, he said adding, the exporters would be worst affected, as it would very hard for them to compete in the world market because of increase in cost of production.
Besides, these counter productive steps badly hit the poor people including factory workers who are already facing the price hikes of the commodities of daily use.
World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime demanded quality products to have competitive edge in global market, for which Pakistani exporters needed due encouragement and facilities, he said. PTA Chairman stressed the need of avoiding such harmful steps in the best interest of the masses and the business community particularly in the present era of competitiveness.
Khawaja Yousuf also added that government, instead of taking such un-business-friendly measures, should provide due relief to the exporters particularly to leather sector who were actively engaged in earning much-needed foreign exchange for the country.-PR