Declare energy emergency, says Saquib Fayyaz Magoon
\n KARACHI
\nSaquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and Chairman Businessmen Panel Progressive (BMPP), cautioned that rising tensions in the Gulf and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz pose a serious threat to Pakistan\u2019s fragile economy, urging the government to immediately declare an energy emergency and secure alternative supply lines.
\nIn a statement, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon said the prevailing regional situation had rendered global energy supply chains \u201cextraordinarily unstable\u201d, warning that the fallout would be felt directly by energy-importing countries like Pakistan. \u201cThe Strait of Hormuz handles nearly 20 per cent of the world\u2019s oil shipments. Any disruption there would not only jolt global markets but could trigger an economic crisis for countries heavily reliant on imported fuel,\u201d Mr. Magoon said.
\nPakistan meets a substantial portion of its energy requirements through imports from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Even minor interruptions in crude oil or liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, he said, could drive up fuel and electricity prices, exacerbating inflationary pressures and deepening the cost-of-living crisis.
\nSaquib Magoon noted that Port Qasim and Karachi Port are directly linked to Gulf shipping routes, making Pakistan particularly vulnerable to maritime disruptions. \u201cAny obstruction to sea lanes will sharply increase freight charges, delay shipments and place immense strain on supply chains,\u201d he said.
\nReferring to recent hostilities involving Iran and reported retaliatory actions, he said tanker movements had already been affected, pushing daily LNG freight rates up by more than 40 per cent. Rates in the Pacific basin have also climbed significantly, reflecting heightened risk perceptions among global shippers and insurers.
\nWhile he acknowledged that Gwadar Port could gain strategic importance in the longer term, Mr Magoon warned that the immediate outlook remained troubling. \u201cAt present, Pakistan is exposed to a severe economic shock if tensions persist or escalate,\u201d he added.
\nCalling for swift action, the FPCCI leader urged the government to make emergency arrangements for alternative energy supply routes, build up strategic petroleum reserves and intensify diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate tensions in the region.
\nHe stressed that timely policy intervention would be crucial to shield industry and consumers from the cascading impact of rising import costs, volatile exchange rates and potential energy shortages.
\n\u201cPakistan\u2019s industrial sector cannot afford another external shock,\u201d Saquib Magoon said, adding that coordinated action between policymakers, regulators and the business community was essential to navigate the unfolding crisis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Declare energy emergency, says Saquib Fayyaz Magoon KARACHI Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and Chairman Businessmen Panel Progressive (BMPP), cautioned that rising tensions in the Gulf and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz pose a serious threat to Pakistan\u2019s fragile economy, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":534926,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-534908","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n