The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) has expressed serious concern over the disruption of gas supply to its member mills during the current month, which is against all contractual commitments. "The disruption is making survival of the industry even more difficult," said a press statement issued by Aptma on Tuesday.
It urged government to review policy of new gas connections to all sectors, as demand of additional 200 MMCFD was being created every year for a commodity whose shortage was already destroying the industry. "Textile industry, already facing severe crisis due to high cost of production, is now being further burdened on account of uncalled far disruption of gas supply, causing production losses." Said the statement.
Textile exports had already dwindled down to 18.10 percent in dollar terms in February over the previous year, it said, adding that a reversal to the situation could only take place if the government ensured smooth and trouble-free gas and electricity supply to the industry.
"Also, the Sui Northern Gas Piplelines Limited (SNGPL) should follow the stated policy of the government hinge on priority to the export-oriented textile industry," said the statement. The Aptma appealed to Advisor to the Prime Minister on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain and Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to take note of the plight of the industries located in Punjab, which were being destroyed due to shortage of gas and electricity.