Textile industry: Ministry, Aptma agree to revise load management plan

Petroleum Ministry and Aptma have agreed to revise load management plan for textile industry in Punjab, reducing the supply cut to 3.5 days a week from the earlier proposed four days a week. A meeting of petroleum ministry officials along with the petroleum minister, Dr Asim Hussain met Aptma delegation to discuss the situation oozing out of the low-pressure gas supply on SNGPL network.
Aptma delegation, led by chairman Aptma, Mohsin Aziz pointed out that about 40 percent capacity of textile ministry is idle due to short supply of gas, translating into decline in exports and joblessness. Talking to Business Recorder, Mohsin said the delegation pleaded industry's case effectively and finally agreed to 3.5 days a week gas supply with the minister for petroleum. However, he added in the same breath, it was made clear to the minister that no low pressure would be acceptable for textile industry on SNGPL network during 3.5 days a week gas supply arrangement.
It may be noted that the textile industry was facing low pressure on SNGPL network with rise in mercury, likely to touch 10 degree centigrade in a day or so despite four days a week gas supply. Meanwhile, sources privy to the meeting said the ministry is also likely to reduce gas supply to CNG pumps equally. It may be noted that gas supply is also being suspended owing to start of annual maintenance and chances of sustainable supply to textile industry during low-pressure period would remain intact.