The SNGPL has agreed to restore 25% gas supply to the textile industry with effect from 1st February 2013. It has been decided in the meeting of the management of APTMA held with Dr Asim Hussain, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Petroleum & Natural Resources, and Mr Arif Hameed, Managing Director, SNGPL on Saturday. The APTMA was represented by Chairman APTMA Ahsan Bahsir, Chairman APTMA Punjab Shahzad Ali Khan and Group Leader APTMA Gohar Ejaz.
It may be noted that gas supply to the industry remained completely suspended since 5th December 2012. The electricity supply was also disconnected by the Ministry of Water and Power from December 22 to 1st of January, resulting into closure of about 40% of the installed capacity in the province of Punjab. The industry exports fell short by $1 billion due to energy crisis during first six months of the current fiscal year.
Even if the government ensures uninterrupted energy supply from now onwards, the industry still can touch $15 billion exports in the fiscal year. The industry has already achieved $6.5 billion exports in first half of the current fiscal and possesses the potential of exporting $1.5 billion textile products per month ahead to achieve remaining $8.5 billion exports.
This will have positive contribution towards employment, production and the balance of payment. The industry had suffered, particularly in Punjab, heavily due to gas supply suspension from 5th December till date and electricity supply suspension from 22nd December till 1st of January 2013 until the President Asif Zardari directed the Ministry of Water & Power to ensure 16 hours a day uninterrupted electricity supply to the mills in Punjab.
