Textile mills kept deprived of gas for 19 days in Jan

LAHORE (PPI) - Contrary to the schedule worked out by the Cabinet Committee on Gas Load Management the textile industry was unduly deprived of gas for 19 days in the month of January causing billions of rupees per day loss to the industry and the economy.
As per the Cabinet Committee’s Gas Load Management Policy that was deliberated upon and agreed to by all stakeholders, 2 days’ gas supply suspension per week for the Textile Industry was finalized. However, instead of closure for 7 days as per the understanding, gas remained cut off for a full 19 days up to 29 January. To add to the woes of the textile industry electricity supply also remained cut off for 8 to 10 hours daily during January.
According to a press release reached here on Saturday, the textile industry is export oriented. The effect of any disruption in the supply chain travels right up to the ready-made and garments sector and impairs the ability of the industry to honour its export commitments in time.30 days gas supply suspension to the Textile Industry has already hampered production worth Rs.60 billion and hindered to achieve export potential worth 1.2 billion dollars.
Gohar Ejaz, Chairman APTMA-Punjab made a detailed representation of the concerns of the textile industry to the Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, following which the Minister extended assurances for accommodation of the textile industry for ensuring equitable distribution of gas between Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Sheikhupura in the region. The Minister reassured that in February, SNGPL would adhere to a maximum of 2 days per week gas supply closure in furtherance of a fair and transparent implementation of the Gas Load Management Programme.
SNGPL has been directed by the Federal Minister to provide gas supply to the textile industry on priority so that the industry could plan and manage uninterrupted production.