SITE Association demands withdrawal of taxes on utilities

HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Apr, 2026) Hyderabad SITE Association of Trade and Industry (HSATI) has expressed deep concern over the continuous increase in the prices of petroleum products as well as electricity and gas tariffs.

In a statement issued here on Sunday the chamber's Chairman Zubair Ghangra also expressed dismay over the additional taxes and surcharges imposed on industrial electricity bills.

He emphasized that the situation was proving extremely detrimental not only for small traders but also for the entire industrial sector.

He observed that Pakistan’s current economic situation was already under significant pressure, and the unjustified increase in energy prices, along with additional charges in industrial electricity bills such as fuel adjustments and other surcharges, had made the cost of business unbearably high.

"The skyrocketing cost of raw materials combined with continuously rising utility expenses have created a serious crisis for the business community, affecting industrial productivity as a consequence," he lamented.

He said increase in exports, foreign exchange reserves and employment were all dependent on a thriving industrial growth.

He called for introducing consistent, transparent, and long-term energy policies that allowed the business community to invest with confidence.

He urged the government to take immediate and decisive measures to address the challenges faced by the industrial and business communities including reducing or eliminating unnecessary taxes and surcharges on industrial electricity bills.

Ghangra also underscored the need to review and adjust the prices of electricity, gas, and petroleum products to ensure they were competitive with regional countries.

APP/zmb/