KARACHI: Sheikh Umer Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), has urged the government to temporarily remove the import duty on palm oil to ease the financial burden on consumers. He highlighted that the sharp increase in global palm oil prices—up by $200 per metric ton—has made cooking oil and ghee unaffordable for many.
Rehan emphasized that ghee and edible oil are basic necessities, but local prices have surged due to international price hikes and import duties. “The recent spike in global prices has drastically affected the affordability of these essential items, especially for low-income households,” he said.
He called on the government to abolish the duty on palm oil imports temporarily until global markets stabilize. “Immediate action is crucial to keep these essential products accessible. Removing the import duty will lower local prices, providing relief to consumers,” Rehan added.
The PVMA chairman warned that without such intervention, the escalating costs of essential commodities will continue to burden ordinary citizens, particularly those already struggling with inflation.