SIALKOT, Jan 20: Traders and exporters have appealed to the government to check petroleum and utility prices to save the local industry. In their joint statement, the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers & Exporters Association , Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association, Sialkot Distributors Association and Markazi Anjuman Tajraan, Sialkot, expressed grave concern over the rise in POL prices.

Exporters apprehended that they might not be able to challenge India, China, Thailand, Taiwan and other countries of the region in international trade if the input cost kept on ascending. The statement urged the government to withdraw the recent increase in POL prices.

MULTAN: Local Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Malik Israr Ahmad Awan also expressed his concern over the price increase, reports APP.

Besides the industrial sector, he said, costly inputs were fatal to the agriculture sector. He appealed the authorities to review the decision and withdraw the increase.