KARACHI: Site Association of Industry (SAI) President Jawed Bilwani has said that the industrial units in Site area have been remained without gas for 37 days since October 1, 2014, adding that the site is continuously facing the gas shortage.
Giving detail, he said that there was no gas for eight days during October 2014, followed by nine days in November, 13 days in December and seven days this month so far. He pointed out that the Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) had assured industrialists for smooth gas flow from this month after suspending gas supply to fertiliser sector but there is still no gas at Site.
Bilwani said that around 70pc units out of total 3,000 units in Site rely on gas. Total requirement of gas in Site is 80MMCFD.
The Site Association of Industry (SAI) president said that exporters are unable to fulfil their export contracts as Rs50 billion against sales tax refunds, customs rebate and DLTL (drawback of local taxes and levies) claims is outstanding with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Bilwani alleged that the outstanding amount held by FBR is causing liquidity crunch for exporters who are unable to meet their commitments. He alleged that it has been FBR’s practice to hold back up to 25 per cent amount against sales tax refund claims of exporters.
