Khawaja M Yousuf, Chairman Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) has expressed deep concern over the third increase in the prices of petrol, diesel, kerosene oil and lubricants. In a statement here on Wednesday, he said, despite the tall claims by government to have provided ample relief to the masses and business community to play their due role in strengthening the country's economy, it is taking such a drastic decisions repeatedly, which are disturbing to all segments of the society.

He said recent increase in prices is sufficient to negate the government's claims.

He said that petrol, diesel and power are the basic components and any increase in their prices correspondingly would affect the cost of production and the commodities of daily use of the people.

He said, WTO regime, already introduced from January 1, demands quality products to have edge in world market for which Pakistani exporters need due encouragement and facilities.

The prices of petroleum products raised intermittently would certainly cause damage to the efforts of the exporters greatly.

The government should ponder on this crucial aspect seriously, which is detrimental to all industrial sector particularly leather sector, he added.

The workers employed in the industry would also be hard hit, as transporters are to enhance their fair.

Khawaja M Yousuf stressed the need of avoiding such harmful steps in the best interest of the masses and the business community particularly in the wake of WTO era.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005