Power tariff cut sought by industries in Sambhajinagar

Metro India News | SAMBHAJINAGAR 

Industrial associations in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have demanded a reduction of Rs 5 per unit in electricity tariffs, citing a sharp rise in production costs triggered by the ongoing West Asia crisis. Representatives of major industrial bodies said the increase in fuel and raw material prices has put severe pressure on manufacturing units in the region.

Earlier this week, the district administration asked industrial associations to submit a list of their key demands in view of the emerging economic challenges. The proposals were later presented to Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant during a meeting held to discuss the situation faced by industries in the Marathwada region.

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is one of the major industrial centres in Maharashtra and hosts a wide range of sectors including automobile manufacturing, engineering units, pharmaceutical companies and steel industries. Industrial leaders said the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has disrupted fuel supply chains, leading to higher energy costs and increased expenses for raw materials.

According to the minister, industries in the region currently have gas stocks sufficient for three to twelve days. However, he assured that efforts are being made to ensure that industrial operations continue without disruption despite the global situation.

In a joint representation submitted to the government, the Chamber of Marathwada Industries and Agriculture (CMIA) and the Marathwada Association of Small Scale Industries and Agriculture (MASSIA), along with other industry groups, demanded that electricity tariffs be reduced by Rs 5 per unit to help offset rising production costs.

Industrial bodies said power expenses form a significant part of manufacturing costs, and a reduction in tariffs would provide immediate relief to industries already struggling with the surge in raw material prices. Apart from the tariff reduction, industry associations have also requested a temporary moratorium on loan repayments to ease financial pressure on businesses.

They have further urged the government to release pending subsidies and financial aid at the earliest. The associations also sought faster approvals for the use of alternative fuels to help industries maintain production and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources during the ongoing crisis.