Competition Commission of Pakistan holds public hearing on discriminatory levy of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess

Islamabad, April 29, 2014 (PPI-OT): The Competition Commission of Pakistan conducted a public hearing on the issue of Discriminatory Levy of the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess on only old fertilizer plants. This discriminatory treatment meted to old plants, prima facie, may distort market conditions and restrict competition in the market of fertilizers resulting in high prices for farmers, thereby harming consumer welfare.

Hearing was attended by a large of number stakeholders including representatives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources and fertilizer companies. All the interested parties made their comments on the issues raised which will be taken into account by the Commission in formulation of its opinion in the matter.

The public hearing was conducted pursuant to Sections 29 of the Competition Act, 2010 which entrust the Commission with the responsibility to “promote competition through advocacy which includes holding open hearing on any matter affecting the state of competition in Pakistan or affecting the country’s commercial activities and expressing publicly an opinion with respect to the issues.”

For more information, contact:
Asfandyar Khattak
Joint Director (Media and Communications)
Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP)
4-C, Diplomatic Enclave, Shams Gate G-5, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: 051-9247531
Fax: +92-51-9247548
Email: akhattak@cc.gov.pk
Web: www.cc.gov.pk