Textile millers are running from pillar to post despite intervention from the presidency, as energy supply is yet a farfetched idea to keep the wheel running in many parts of the province. Industry sources said there was no immediate resumption of gas supply despite successful negotiations between the Aptma leadership and Petroleum Minister. No gas resumption is possible until the middle of next week, they said, adding that too on rotational basis.
The Petroleum Minister had directed the SNGPL to resume gas supply to textile industry for two days a week on rotational basis for each zone. He passed these directions during his emergency landing to the provincial metropolis on the advice of President Zardari to settle gas supply issue of Aptma.
However, those running on power supply are feeling ignored, especially the Pepco officials seem to be in no hurry of resolving the supply issues to many mills outside Lahore city. The textile millers are pursuing Pepco officials to fix their supply-related issues. But the Pepco officials are trying to linger on either on one or the other pretext, causing high blood pressures to many in the industry.
The country is passing through energy crisis of its history. The PPP has spent four years in the government but no tangible reverse to energy issue could take place yet. Majority of textile investors have withheld future investment plans forthwith. Textile exports are also likely to get a hit of about $4 billion, having touched record level of $14 billion last fiscal. President Zardari had declared 2011 as the year of textile industry. However, he has failed to extend similar response for the current fiscal year.