Textile exporters seek PM, SIFC intervention over power tariffs hurting export competitiveness

Profit reported that the Pakistan Textile Exporters Association has asked the Prime Minister's Office and the Special Investment Facilitation Council to step in over power tariff irregularities. The group argues that rising electricity charges are weakening industrial competitiveness and slowing export growth. It rejects the proposed Rs2.52 per kWh fuel charges adjustment for July 2026 and asks Nepra and the Power Division to correct the B3/B4 voltage-level discrepancy.

Khurram Mukhtar, the association's Patron-in-Chief, said exporters often sign orders months ahead at fixed prices, so they cannot pass on later energy cost increases to overseas buyers. It is not seeking subsidised power, only a transparent and predictable tariff tied to real supply costs. On the voltage issue, it argued that customers connected at higher voltages place less strain on the distribution network, while B4 users do not draw on DISCO lines, so charges should match the service cost at each level.

Profit added that uncertainty over power prices is pushing manufacturers toward captive power and other energy arrangements, diverting funds that could go to machinery, technology and productivity. Higher costs for large manufacturers could also hurt SMEs, vendors, processors and transporters. The association wants a 10-year industrial energy roadmap, developed with exporters, LSM and SMEs. The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association objected on Saturday to a proposed upward Fuel Price Adjustment for July 2026.