Lahore: The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Association Front has warned that if the supply of gas to industries was continued to disrupt, the process of industrial production would come to a standstill. In such a case, the increase in imports will lead to deteriorating balance of trade, which will pose a serious threat to the improving economy and will also reduce local industrial production process. PIAF Chairman Mian Nauman Kabir said that every year it is assured that there will be no gas load-shedding, but on the contrary gas load-shedding has begun, which will have a direct impact on industrial production and exports. He was of the view that Prime Minister Imran Khan has also repeatedly highlighted the importance of increasing exports, but in practice the industries are suffering from the gas crisis. Online
PIAF Chairman in a joint statement with vice chairman Javed Siddiqi said that suspension of gas to the local industry amidst Covid-19 outbreak would severely affect production process, making it difficult to manufacture life-saving drugs and would directly affect the public.
He said that after closure of RLNG supply to the power sector the government will generate electricity from furnace oil and diesel owing to which the electricity cost will increase manifold against generation by RLNG. Though the captive power plants meant for export industry were stopped for one day in a week as per the decision of cabinet, but the decision will reduce the textile products production by 16 percent. Its impact is expected next month in the form of decline in exports, he said.
