Traders voice concerns over inflated gas bills

Traders warn of staging protest and government to bear consequences

ISLAMABAD:

All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran President Ajmal Baloch along with the ICCI Traders Welfare Committee Secretary and Convener Khalid Chaudhry have expressed serious concerns over the escalating gas bills. They said it was adding to the distress of consumers already grappling with the burden of inflation.

They underscored the challenges faced by individuals choosing to pay high bills in instalments, as they are compelled to pay extra charges alongside the instalment payments. According to their observations, when people attempt to convert their bills into instalments, the Sui Gas authorities frequently reject their requests due to which the consumers are forced to turn to agents through bribery.

Read: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2433715/inflated-bills-nation-braces-for-shutter-down

They pointed out that, small restaurants in Islamabad, particularly those that offer naan and bread, are compelled to sell bread at inflated prices due to the high cost of gas. They urged the prime minister to promptly issue directives for relief in gas bills and extend support to small restaurants, following the tariff structure of tandoors.

They warned that if the govt failed to provide relief, traders would be compelled to stage protests and the govt would have to bear the consequences.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2024.