Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA) has warned the government about negative effect on the country's export oriented sector with the proposed gas tariffs increase of up to 30 per cent for industries. The PHMA has sought a separate reduced gas tariff for export orientated industries. It argues the proposed increase will make exports costlier against key competing countries -- Bangladesh and India.

The export oriented industry is already facing multiple challenges in the wake of high cost of manufacturing, exorbitant utility tariffs, high labour wages etc. The association requested the PM to direct the concerned authority to introduce a separate gas tariff slab for textile export oriented industries and avoid any increase in key input rates.