Hyderabad(HRNW)- Zubair Ghangra, Chairman of the Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade and Industry (HSATI), has expressed deep concern over the continuous increase in the prices of petroleum products, electricity, and gas, particularly highlighting the additional taxes and surcharges imposed on industrial electricity bills. He emphasized that this situation is proving extremely detrimental not only for small traders but also for the entire industrial sector.
He stated that Pakistan’s current economic situation is already under significant pressure, and the unjustified increase in energy prices, along with additional charges in industrial electricity bills such as fuel adjustments and other surcharges, has made business costs unbearably high. The heavy electricity bills have severely impacted small and medium-sized enterprises, while the irregular supply of gas has further constrained industrial production.
Zubair Ghangra noted that in the current wave of inflation, the skyrocketing cost of raw materials combined with continuously rising utility expenses has created a serious crisis for the business community. As a result, industrial productivity is being affected, and many units are being forced to reduce operations or shut down entirely, increasing the risk of unemployment.
Critically addressing government economic policies, he observed that the policymaking process has largely ignored the ground realities faced by the industrial sector. He emphasized that it is a well-established fact that a country’s economic growth is directly tied to the strength of its industries. When industries thrive, exports increase, foreign exchange reserves improve, and employment opportunities expand.
HSATI Chairman Ghangra further clarified that industrial development will remain unattainable unless the prices of petroleum products, electricity, and gas are kept at reasonable and stable levels. He stressed the need for consistent, transparent, and long-term energy policies that allow the business community to invest with confidence.
He urged the government to take immediate and decisive measures to address the challenges faced by the industrial and business community, including reducing or eliminating unnecessary taxes and surcharges on industrial electricity bills, reviewing and adjusting the prices of electricity, gas, and petroleum products to ensure they are competitive with regional countries, introducing an urgent relief package for small traders and industrialists, and formulating comprehensive policies aimed at promoting local industries, boosting exports, and facilitating smoother business operations across the country.
Zubair Ghangra concluded by reaffirming HSATI’s commitment to representing the concerns of the business community in a constructive manner and presenting positive recommendations to the authorities to strengthen the national economy.
