PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has rejected up to Rs0.83 per unit increase in electricity tariff, the terming NEPRA’s decision “a grave injustice” with the people, especially the business community, of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Despite producing low-cost electricity, KP is purchasing electricity on exorbitant rates, which is completely unfair and unjust with the people of this province,” said SCCI President Sherbaz Bilour stated while talking to a delegation of traders at the chamber house on Friday.
He said that gradual increase in the price of electricity has not only damaged industrial productivity, but has also caused food inflation, which directly affects the poor masses.
Bilour assured the traders that a special committee at the chamber level would be constituted soon to identify issues pertaining to electricity, gas, wedding halls, restaurants and other businesses affected by the outbreak of Covid-19.
The SCCI chief maintained that the recent hike in electricity tariff from October 1 would adversely affect the national economy, especially the manufacturing sector, as the country’s industrial process would come to a halt.
“The government is increasing the prices of electricity, but the industries are still facing supply issues. Problems of power tripping, low voltage and load shedding are badly affecting industrial productivity.”
Bilour president demanded the federal government to immediately withdraw the recent hike in electricity tariff and to ensure uninterrupted power supply to industries across the province.
The delegation members included All Pakistan Hotels and Restaurants Association President Khalid Ayub, SCCI Senior Vice President Engineer Mazoor Elahi, Shafi Market-Peshawar President Akbar Ali and other prominent trade leaders of KP.
