Gas supply to textile sector restored

HAMID WALEED

LAHORE: Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain has restored gas supply to textile sector and nominated Aptma Group Leader Gohar Ejaz as head of 'Load Management Committee'. He has also set up a task force to finalise recommendation within seven days on import of LNG.

Punjab Aptma Chairman Ahsan Bashir said the minister has directed SNGPL to supply gas for two days during the current week, followed by three days a week, to textile industry in Punjab, on rotational basis.

He said that Aptma had informed the federal minister that the textile industry had lost $2 billion exports due to gas curtailment for 175 days during 2011, which was likely to double, in case gas curtailment continued ahead.

Aptma also condemned the indifferent attitude of SNGPL towards textile industry, denying gas since December 25 for indefinite period. Ahsan said that Aptma delegation made clear to the federal minister that it had no option but to agitate and organise a historic rally of textile workers a day earlier.

The minister told the Aptma delegation that 50 MMCFD gas is adding up to the system from Kunar Poshaki gas field. He directed SNGPL to provide gas to industry in Punjab for two days during current week, followed by three days a week from next week onwards, on rotational basis.

The  minister informed the Aptma delegation further that another 200 MMCFD would be added to the system by June, to be diverted to the industry.

Aptma delegation appreciated the positive attitude of the minister on behalf of all industrial sectors in Punjab, and assured of leaving no stone unturned in achieving the export target