The business community praised the government's decision to limit gas supply for home users during the winter and demanded to continue this practice throughout the year.This demand was put forward by a delegation of industrialists and traders during a meeting with Coordinator to Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Meher Kashif Younis. The meeting discussed issues related to trade and business development.

Meher Kashif, speaking on the occasion, noted that the household sector's gas consumption has increased by 13% over the years, the highest rise of any sector. According to him, the majority of industrialised nations offer home and commercial users with a single energy source so that the industrial and agricultural sectors can utilise it to its fullest potential. In contrast, both resources - power and gas - are provided to households in Pakistan, severely impeding economic growth, particularly during the busiest winter months.

He said that natural gas and LNG account for around 40% of the country's current energy mix, which includes gas used for power generation. He regretted that gas is supplied even below its cost in Pakistan, which has resulted in enormous losses for gas businesses.

Meher said that in order to improve the weak economy, the government must now provide continuous supply to industrial and the agricultural sector. He recommended the government inform and influence the populace to utilise alternative resources for home requirements, which would boost the country's economy. He said industry is the foundation of the economy and incentives are provided to it to stimulate social and economic progress.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk