Precaution: Textile exports could reduce to $2.2b, warns APTMA

Industry fears gas suspension for four months starting from November 15


Our Correspondent October 30, 2014



All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma), Central Chairman SM Tanveer warned the government that textile exports could reduce to $2.2 billion if the sector is not given the promised supply of energy, especially in Punjab.


The Punjab-based textile industry, which is 70% of the total textile sector of Pakistan, fears gas suspension for four months starting from November 15, as government is prioritising domestic consumers. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited has already issued a notice of gas suspension to the textile industry complaining low pressure and dilapidated gas reserves.


 “Overall textile exports in six months between April and September 2014 already declined to $1.2 billion, which is an alarming sign,” Tanveer said.


Tanveer said the suspension of gas means shutting down the textile industry in Punjab, which would further decline exports and result in massive unemployment of nearly 10 million workers.  He further pointed out that the increase in industrial tariff twice during 2013, and slapping of 30 paisa per unit equalisation surcharge has shot up from Rs7.75 to Rs12.50 per unit.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2014.

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