The industrial sector in Pakistan is facing significant pressure due to unexpectedly high gas bills for the current month, caused by the application of peak-hour charges rather than off-peak rates. This billing issue has raised serious concerns among business and manufacturing communities, particularly in Karachi, where many industries are already struggling with broader economic instability. According to industrialists, the correct application of off-peak rates would have resulted in gas prices around Rs238 per unit. However, bills have reportedly been issued with rates nearly double or even two and a half times that amount, placing an unsustainable burden on operational costs.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with the Businessmen Group, has formally approached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to highlight the issue. They argue that these inflated energy costs are not only unaffordable but also threaten the survival of industries, leading to potential closures, mass layoffs, and further erosion of Pakistan’s already fragile export competitiveness. The chamber is urging government intervention, requesting an immediate review and correction of the gas bills to reflect fair and consistent pricing.
While some officials have hinted that the increase in gas rates could be linked to IMF-backed fiscal reforms, the KCCI rejects this explanation. The chamber maintains that IMF programmes do not prescribe the indiscriminate use of peak-hour billing across all time periods. Instead, they call for cost-reflective pricing that aligns with principles of transparency, fairness, and industrial support.
To resolve the situation, the KCCI has proposed the implementation of a uniform 24-hour gas tariff for industrial users. This would help prevent such billing discrepancies in the future, support more predictable energy costs for manufacturers, and improve investor confidence in Pakistan’s industrial policy environment. By addressing these billing anomalies, the government has an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to supporting local industry and ensuring energy pricing remains fair, competitive, and sustainable.