KARACHI: The Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI) has rejected the daily revision of petroleum prices, stating that it will adversely affect both industrialisation and investment.
FBATI President Sheikh Tahseen said that the increase of Rs5.36 per litter in petrol and Rs31.05 per litter in diesel price has put industrialists under severe pressure. He said that the hike in petroleum product prices is proving to be a major setback for industry and trade.
He warned that the increase in diesel prices will further raise transportation and industrial costs. According to Sheikh Tahseen, both industrialists and the general public will bear the burden of higher petroleum prices. Costlier fuel will increase production costs, while Pakistan’s exports may suffer due to reduced competitiveness of locally manufactured products in international markets, he added.
He said that the increase in petroleum prices is likely to trigger a new wave of inflation, leading to a significant rise in the prices of everyday consumer goods.
Tahseen said that unless the industrial sector is provided immediate relief, investment will continue to decline.
He urged the government to review petroleum levy and taxes, emphasising that industrial growth and export targets cannot be achieved without reducing the cost of doing business and production.
He called on the government to provide relief to the industrial sector to protect the economy from further pressure.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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