Gas shortage hits Sargodha industrial sector

SARGODHA: Khawaja Yasir Qayyum, President of the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed concerns over the challenges faced by industries due to gas shortages on Wednesday.

He emphasized the need to provide necessary facilities to industrialists to stimulate regional growth, generate employment, and boost the national economy.During a visit by Sui Gas Regional Manager Binyamin Shahid to the Chamber, Qayyum highlighted Sargodha’s potential for industrial development and the negative impact of utility shortages on entrepreneurs. He specifically mentioned the difficulties faced by the Beco light industry due to gas supply issues.

Shahid acknowledged the challenges and suggested relocating the Beco industry to a dedicated zone to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply. He explained that providing a 24-hour gas supply to scattered industrial units is impractical.

Chamber members also raised concerns about gas connection availability, rising prices, unannounced disconnections for late payments, and low gas pressure. The Regional Manager clarified that fixed taxes are imposed by OGRA and that any relief would require government intervention.

Livestock cards distributed among farmers: A ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Livestock Divisional Office in Sargodha to distribute 40 livestock cards to eligible farmers.