Gas shortages: Textile associations seek government’s help

Say further supply cuts could lead to closure of industries.

FAISALABAD:

Five major textile organisations, fearing closure of industries, have called on the government to address gas shortages.

The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association, Council of Loom Owners Faisalabad, All Pakistan Sizing Industries Association and Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association said another month of gas shortages will cripple the industry.

The three-day weekly gas closure, which has been enforced for the last three months, has been termed a “death warrant” for industries by officials.

According to Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association Chairman Salamat Ali, letters calling for help have been sent separately by each organisation, as part of a peaceful protest.

Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association Chairman Sheikh Saeed claimed textile exporters in Faisalabad have lost export orders of up to $2 billion from October to March.

Industries in Punjab faced 100 days of gas curtailment last year, 55 days during summer and 45 days in winter.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th,  2011.