Power rates: Exporters resist 12% tariff rise

Increase just 24 days before the presentation of the budget negated the claim that the budget would be tax-free

FAISALABAD:

Textile exporters have criticised the proposed 12% increase in electricity tariff, terming it a pre-budget tax and an additional burden which will increase the cost of production, leaving Pakistan’s exports uncompetitive in the international market.

Speaking to the media, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) Chairman Rana Arif Tauseef said here on Wednesday “the textile industry is already reeling from high rates of electricity and is protesting against the extra surcharge and fuel adjustment charge, but the government instead of reducing the burden is going to increase the power tariff by 12%.”

This sudden increase just 24 days before the presentation of the budget was tantamount to hoodwinking people and negated the claim that the budget would be tax-free, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2012.