Textile sector deeply worried over shortage of gas supply

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Worries of textile industry are on the rise with every passing day, as all its efforts to get rid of energy crisis are proving futile amidst unfavourable political situation of the country.

It may be noted that the government has recently withdrawn facility of exemption from load shedding to textile industry on independent and grouped feeders. The SNGPL is though supplying five days a week gas supply to textile units but fears are high that the SNGPL would withdraw this facility soon there is shortage of gas.

All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma), in collaboration with the IPPs and the fertilizer industry, had formed Pakistan Industrial Forum to highlight the importance of gas to the industrial growth in the country.

There was a demand of converting of CNG stations on LPG and allocation of available gas to IPPs, textile and fertilizer units. An aggressive media campaign was also launched to support the stance.

However, the recent Arsalan-Riaz controversy turned the tables on the move, as all eyes were focused on outcome of this fiasco. Resultantly, the campaign could not attain desired level of public interest.

Meanwhile, the CNG association launched a protest campaign, brining the labourer on streets and the government had no option but to retreat amidst unfavourable political situation.

This retreat on the part of government would expose the IPPs, fertilizer and textile industry to a highly vulnerable situation, as short supply of gas would hit the production capacities further.

The industry circles said they were hoping that the federal government would put its foot down and ensure prudent use of gas in the country. However, since the government has surrendered the CNG demands, therefore, the industry would have to pay heavy price of the situation.

Meanwhile, the industry is not clear about its next move in a situation when the government has also slightly turned down its request for revival of exemption from load shedding to textile industry on independent and grouped feeders. They said it is beginning of a worst situation ahead.