Lahore: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed serious concerns over recent changes in Pakistan’s flash point standards for imported chemicals, affecting 40 chemicals like Prop BH, Isobutanol – IBA, Styrene Monomer, and others. “The Minister for Petroleum should convene an urgent meeting of the stakeholders to have their feedback on this serious issue which is hitting pharmaceutical, printing, adhesive and various other industries.”
According to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in a letter addressed to the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Musadik Masood Malik, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad highlighted the imposition of new standards without prior consultation, which threatens industries dependent on these chemicals. The immediate implementation of these standards, coupled with the lengthy DPL License application process that could take up to two years, poses a significant challenge to the survival of these industries.
Mian Abuzar Shad emphasized that the delay, along with additional demurrage and detention fees incurred after 24 hours of port holding time, has placed a severe financial burden on the business community. He further noted that the specified flash point limits are impractical and misaligned with international standards, potentially disrupting sectors like pharmaceuticals, printing, plastics, and paint manufacturing. These sectors are crucial for producing life-saving drugs, food products, and daily-use items, and shortages would have widespread economic impacts.
The LCCI President also pointed out that the newly imposed standards have led to a severe shortage of essential chemicals, allowing some stockholders to charge exorbitant prices, further escalating the financial strain on industries. The chemicals have been categorized into three classes based on their flash points, complicating the import, transportation, and storage processes.
He warned that many importers have already raised prices due to increased risks, imposing an undue financial burden on local industries. The LCCI has urged an immediate rollback of the new standards to prevent widespread industrial disruption, which could result in shutdowns and a crisis in the availability of essential goods. Mian Abuzar Shad proposed a collaborative meeting with the Petroleum Division to establish realistic, safety-compliant standards that balance industry needs and public safety.
The President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed hope that the Federal Minister for Energy would take swift action and instruct relevant authorities for a prompt withdrawal.