LAHORE (PPI) The continued gas supply suspension to the export-oriented textile industry coupled with high interest rate at 14 percent due to government borrowing has not only jeopardized growth of the textile industry and exports but put the survival of existing industry at stake, said Chairman APTMA Gohar Ejaz. He has urged the government to prioritise gas supply to the textile industry to secure 15 million jobs and $14 billion exports during current fiscal. The textile industry is being hit hard due to ongoing energy crisis, depriving the gas supply to the textile units for three days a week. Non-supply of gas has adversely affected textile production mainly meant for exports, as 43 percent of its capacity potential remained non-operative. Sizeable workforce has been laid off due to disruption of gas supply, adding to the unemployment index of the country with every passing day. He deplored that the SNGPL authorities has not been observing equitable distribution of the gas shortage on its network despite clear-cut instructions of five days a week gas supply to the textile industry by the government back in February 2011. He said the textile industry has contributed a billion dollar every month to the countrys exports during last five months because of the interest taken by the government in energy security to the industry. However, the unprecedented supply cut of three days a week has put the industry again on back gear.