Traders have expressed dissatisfaction over the rates of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG). In a meeting with Governor of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ghulam Ali, they expressed their demand for cheaper rates of the RLNG. They said that the current rates being offered to their industrialists are non-competitive, adding that industrialists are already facing increased production costs due to inflation situation in the country.

The delegation was led by the President of the Industrialists Association Peshawar (IAP) Malik Imran Ishaq. Members of the delegation told the Governor about the problems of fixed billing, quarter tariff adjustments, collection of fuel price adjustments in electricity bills, and issuance of notices by Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI). They urged the provincial government to take prompt actions to resolve all the grievances of the business community to promote industrialization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Malik Imran said that factories in Hayatabad Industrial Estate are being charged 300% higher rates than those of the natural gas adding that gas pressure is low with many faults in the supply system. Governor Ghulam Ali heard the queries of the members of the delegation and issued directions to the provincial authorities for their swift resolution.

He said that all issues facing the traders including fixed billing, QTA, FPA, and peak hours will be discussed with the Federal Government for their resolution.  The governor directed the PESCO chief to engage with TESCO to plan and execute the dismantling of TESCO feeders and relocating them to the grid stations of Jamrud and Bara. He said it will help in the recovery of 40-MV of electricity.

He further directed the PESCO chief to settle the issue of plot occupation for SDO office and complaint office as soon as possible. The delegation thanked the governor for taking notice of their issues and taking personal interest in their resolution. Senior General Manager, SNGPL, Arbab Saqib; GM, SNGPL, Taj Ali Khan; Chief PESCO Engineer, Syed Nabi Gul, and Regional Head, EOBI, Ashfaq Ahmed were also present in the meeting.

 Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk