Former caretaker federal minister Gohar Ejaz expressed concerns over expensive electricity for industries and said that the country’s industries cannot afford more burden, 24NewsHD TV channel reported.
In a statement, Gohar Ejaz said that during the NEPRA tariff rebasing hearing, it was stated that a total subsidy of Rs629 billion will be required next year.
However, the government is providing only Rs248 billion. The remaining gap is being covered through cross-subsidisation, which resulted in higher electricity tariffs for industry.
Gohar Ejaz further said that if the industry were not compelled to subsidise other sectors, industrial tariffs would be around 9 cents even today, despite widespread corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiencies.
He said that Pakistan is choking due to high energy prices and cross-subsidy policies.
Gohar Ejaz warned that if the industry shuts down, who will employ millions of industrial workers?
Reporter: Waqas Azeem