The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday urged the government to give top priority to the industrial sector in gas supply. LCCI President Ijaz A Mumtaz said in a statement that there is a need to reset priority list keeping in view the economic scenario. He said that gas closure to the industrial sector would render millions of people jobless therefore there is a dire need that the government should direct the concerned authorities to reset its priorities regarding provision of gas otherwise situation would get more worst.
"It is not the industry only that would be suffering massively due to unavailability of gas but the government would also be an ultimate loser on many counts," he added. Mumtaz sought the PM's intervention and help for regular supply of gas to the all industrial sectors. He said that electricity situation is already very alarming and suspension of gas supply to the industry is like adding fuel to fire. How the industry would be able to manage export orders worth millions of dollars when there is no gas, he asked.
He said that the decision has sent a very negative signal to the foreign buyers. "Instead of coming up with some sort of relief package, the industry is being pushed to the wall. He said that the shortage of gas was not the only issue its improper distribution is also a cause of grave concern.
LCCI president further said that the businessmen are unable to understand that why the business community is not taken into confidence over industry-related issues and if the government is facing some supply related issues then government should discuss this matter with real stakeholders to resolve issues without further delay.