KATI chief says concerned at increase in fuel prices

KARACHI President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Muhammad Ikram Rajput, has expressed serious concern over the government’s recent increase in petroleum prices, warning that the move will have damaging consequences for industry, employment and the broader economy. Reacting to the latest notification, he said the price of petrol has been raised by Rs26. 77 per litre to Rs393. 35, while high-speed diesel has increased to Rs380. 19 per litre. He termed the sharp hike in energy costs “highly detrimental” to industrial and commercial activity. Rajput noted that higher fuel prices would significantly raise production costs, leading to an increase in the prices of essential goods and undermining export competitiveness. “Expensive fuel translates directly into expensive production, ” he said, adding that the burden would ultimately be passed on to consumers. He urged the government to immediately reduce levies and other charges on petroleum products to bring prices within reach of the common man. “Fuel prices are rapidly moving beyond the affordability of ordinary citizens, ” he said, warning that the rising cost of energy is making it increasingly difficult for industries to sustain operations. President KATI pointed out that the business community is already grappling with high electricity tariffs, elevated interest rates, and other financial constraints. “At such a time, an increase in petroleum prices will only compound the challenges faced by industrialists, ” he added. Rajput called on the government to review its decision and introduce immediate relief measures for the industrial and trade sectors. He cautioned that if production costs continue to rise at the current pace, industrial activity could slow down, adversely affecting both economic growth and employment. All Traders Sindh Ittehad Chairman Muhammad Kashif Sabrani has rejected the increase in petrol prices. Muhammad Kashif Sabrani has said that the increase in petrol and diesel prices by Rs 27 is an injustice and excess against traders and the public. Muhammad Kashif Sabrani said that the business conditions in Karachi are already not good, people are forced to commit suicide, people are not meeting their household expenses, how will they run their businesses? Inflation has already peaked due to the increase in petrol and diesel prices, now inflation will increase further. Muhammad Kashif Sabrani has strongly demanded the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Army Chief, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and the federal government to announce an immediate reduction of Rs 200 per liter in diesel and petrol prices and provide relief to traders and the public. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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