INCREASE IN ELECTRICITY TARIFF & PETROL PRICES IS UNWISE STEP OF GOVT

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) expressed disappointment on the simultaneous sharp increases in electricity tariff and increase in the prices of petrol, diesel and other petroleum products making life miserable for the common man. The government failed to use other options and acted under pressure of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) not realizing the commitment it had made to the nation.

President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver said it is unwise of the government and socially dangerous as the common man is badly affected by the increase and it is just possible that any small event now could trigger a big retaliation due to the impact the increase will have on the domestic budget of the common man and the effect on the domestic budget of the family. It may prove to be the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

He said due to the increase in price of petrol, diesel and other petroleum products the cost of logistics will increase and will affect the prices of all types of goods and services which may become unbearable.

He urged the government to examine the facts and the direct effect it will have on all classes of people. The entire supply chain will be adversely affected and right from farm produce to the finished goods on shelves every item will now become costly. The situation calls for immediate action and revisiting of the case to give some relief to the middle class and lower middle class who are now shocked and wondering how they will survive.

It is unexpected of a popularly elected government to behave in this manner and be pressurized to take such unwise steps when other options were available of increased electricity generation by supplying gas to the efficient plants to overcome the shortage.

The union urged the government not to take rash decisions but sit with the economists and seek good advice to plan the policies and take positive steps to overcome the challenges.

Posted in: Press Releases