Pakistan, June 25 -- Pakistan may face a sharp rise in solar panel prices due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, warn local importers. The conflict between Iran and Israel has disrupted shipping routes and caused freight costs to surge. Experts say if tensions continue, solar imports could become significantly costlier, putting pressure on consumers already burdened by high electricity rates.

According to Muhammad Faaz Diwan, Director at Diwan International Pvt Ltd, shipping costs have doubled in two months. Freight charges rose from $1,200 to $2,500 per container and could hit $3,000 if hostilities persist. Diwan added that importers now pay a 3% advance tax, and if the government reintroduces a 10% import tax, the overall burden would ...