Industrial tariff hike \'disastrous\' for exports

The industrial community of Punjab, particularly the value-added textile export sector, has condemned the proposed increase in base tariffs sought by power distribution companies (DISCOs), including Islamabad, Faisalabad and Lahore electricity supplying companies, describing the move as unjustified and disastrous for an already struggling manufacturing base. Industrial associations questioned why the government continues to allow DISCOs to demand further tariff escalation when electricity prices have already risen, and power consumption is visibly declining due to the closure of industrial units. Reacting to the public hearing conducted by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) North Zone said the proposed rebasing and upward revision in net distribution margins (NDMs) would further cripple production, particularly in Punjab where exporters are paying the highest electricity and gas tariffs as well as other utilities in the region.