The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has urged the government to provide a three-month fi nancial relief package for businesses affected by prolonged gas and electricity shortages.
In separate letters to the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, the chamber sought a threemonth waiver of bank interest and deferment of loan instalments, along with a 90-day moratorium on gas and electricity bill payments without penalties.
CCCI President Mohammad Amirul Haque said persistent energy disruptions had severely affected garment and textile factories, plastics manufacturers and other industrial units, with some forced to suspend production or implement layoffs.
The chamber said lower and irregular energy supplies had caused sharp declines in production, exports and sales, leaving businesses struggling to pay wages, bank interest, utility bills and other operating cost