LAHORE: The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has strongly condemned the recent surge in fixed electricity charges for industrial consumers. They have urged the government to immediately rescind this rise and reinstate the previous structure to ensure industrial viability.

The PFMA considers this hike detrimental to the industrial sector, potentially hindering its growth, said PFMA Central Chairman Asim Raza Ahmad in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Asim Raza Ahmad conveyed the industry's rejection of the new charges. Under the revised system, B1 category industries will incur a monthly fixed charge of Rs.1,000 per kilowatt, while B2 category will face Rs.2,000 per kilowatt per month, reflecting a substantial 300% increase, he claimed. He further asserted that the government has raised fixed monthly charges for B3 and B4 category industrial units by a staggering 335%, respectively.

Given the already volatile economic climate that has forced several industries to shut down, Asim Raza Ahmad emphasized the urgency of withdrawing the recently announced hike in fixed charges. He implored the government to formulate business-friendly policies that foster an environment conducive to industrial growth. This, in turn, would contribute to a robust economy, increased revenue generation, and job creation, he concluded.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024