Karachi: The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) President, Ikram Rajput, has strongly rejected the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority’s (OGRA) decision to increase gas tariffs for Sui Southern Gas Company, warning that the move will intensify economic hardships for both industries and the public.
Rajput said the price hike is unjustified in the current economic environment and places an unfair burden on already struggling manufacturers and households. He stressed that the decision ignores key positive economic indicators, including a reduction in UFG (unaccounted-for gas) losses and declining interest rates, which should have supported stable or reduced gas tariffs.
The KATI president called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to immediately intervene and direct the withdrawal of the revised gas tariff, noting that the increase will make Pakistani industries uncompetitive in global markets and undermine export performance.
He reminded the government of its earlier commitments to support export-oriented industries, saying the tariff hike is contradictory to those promises. Rajput urged policymakers to prioritize pro-industry and pro-consumer measures that would help stabilize the economy and reduce unemployment.
Rajput also criticized the tariff increase without first addressing gas theft and systemic inefficiencies, arguing that pushing the financial burden onto consumers is unjust. He cautioned that rising gas costs will particularly harm industries dependent on gas-fired plants, already grappling with high production costs and weakening international demand.
He warned that escalating gas prices will further erode export competitiveness, deter investment, and heighten uncertainty among the business community. Rajput reiterated his appeal to the prime minister, urging him to place the welfare of citizens and industries at the center of national economic decision-making.
“Pakistan’s economic recovery depends on sustainable industrial growth,” he said. “Raising gas prices at this stage risks undermining both industry and employment. The government must act swiftly in the national interest.”