The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd (SNGPL) has increased the frequency of gas supply to textile industry from the existing two days to three days a week. All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) had sought immediate resumption of five days a week gas supply to the industry, warning that industrialists might approach the courts in case the authorities concerned failed to do so.
The SNGPL responded immediately and revised the frequency of gas supply, increasing it to three days a week. There was no immediate reaction from the industry in this regard. Industry sources termed the addition of another day to the gas supply schedule a good omen and said that the industry had decided to avail the opportunity instead of agitating.
They said the increase in supply meant an increase in the industry's production. The textile industry was denied gas supply since early December, which continued until the end of February. However, a majority of the mills had approached the court of law seeking relief.
The court acted accordingly and granted relief, resulting in continuous supply to many a mills. Mills failing to approach courts were unable to get gas during the load-shedding period. The industry, which has been hit hard by the acute shortage of energy supply, is strongly pursuing the government to materialise the import of LNG from Qatar, besides urging it to quickly initiate work on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project before the dissolution of Parliament.