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PIA removes fuel surcharge from fish, meat export

MUZAFFAR QURESHI

KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has withdrawn fuel surcharge, levied on transportation of perishable items of Rs 5 per kg from fish and meat, exporters revealed.

The decision to withdraw fuel surcharge levied by all foreign airlines except Al Saudia from February 1, 2000 on export of perishable items such as fish, meat, fruits and vegetables etc was made at a meeting of the exporters with the PIA's senior officials.

The exporters said that the PIA authorities were also requested to withdraw

fuel surcharge on fresh fruits and vegetables which they had agreed. However an announcement to this effect is still awaited.

Mahmood Rabbani, chairman of export sub-committee of All Pakistan Fruits and Vegetable Exporters and Importers Association, said that the fuel surcharge levied by the national carrier was badly affecting exports of fruits and vegetables to the Gulf states, which had already declined due to stiff competition in the market.

He said that the problems was discussed at a meeting with Syed Masood Alam Rizvi, EPB vice chairman who agreed to persuade the PIA authorities to withdraw the fuel surcharge in the national interest but nothing had been done so far.

Rabbani welcomed the withdrawal of fuel surcharge on the export of fresh fish and meat, and expressed the hope that the same would be applied to freight charged for fruits and vegetables.

Exporters have criticised delay in implementation of decisions made by the government. They said that the EPB had promised to give freight subsidy on the export of Kinno to Bangladesh which could prove a good market for Pakistani fruits but an announcement was still awaited. Many exporters have already made shipments to Chittagong in the hope of freight subsidy promised by the EPB and they are in for heavy losses if the subsidy was not announced. They said that due to the availability of Indian fruits at cheaper rates in Bangladesh, Pakistan fruits can only compete if a subsidy is given in freight.