Gas shortage has led to closure of many Hub factories: LCCI chief

KARACHI: President of Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Ismail Suttar has pointed out that acute shortage of gas or very low gas pressure has forced many factories in Hub to partially or completely close down operations. With no other option in sight, others may also do the same.

He said that Balochistan is the most underdeveloped province in Pakistan and there are only a few industries in Hub, which is the only organised industrial area in the province. Therefore, it needs immediate help and attention from the authorities in terms of gas supply and pressure.

Addressing a meeting of the executive committee of the Lasbela chamber, Ismail Suttar said that as per Article 158 of the Constitution, the province in which a well-head of natural gas is situated shall have precedence over other parts of Pakistan vis-à-vis meeting the requirements of people. Even then the factories in Hub are being deprived of adequate gas for last several months.

He said that extremely low gas pressure and frequent unavailability are making it difficult for all industries located in the Hub industrial area to run the mills and fulfil their export commitments in time.

The Balochistan High Court has provided relief to the industrial units of Balochistan and Hub industrial area under a constitutional petition where the Deputy Attorney General, conceded and fairly suggested preferred treatment.

Ismail informed the meeting that Sui Southern Gas Company, in February 2015 also acknowledged the court order and stated that in the province of Balochistan, there will be no gas load management measures being undertaken even then industries of Hub industrial area are facing load management and low gas pressure resulting in the industries are compelled to shut down their production.

Ismail appealed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan / the Chief Minister of Balochistan to rescue industries located in the Hub industrial area which are compelled to shut down their production due to the denial of gas.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023