FAISALABAD: Textile associations have announced to observe 6th December
as black day against discrimination in gas prices with Punjab industry. Disparity in gas prices has shattered the whole industrial chain in Punjab.
Addressing a joint press conference of Pakistan Textile Exporters Association, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association, All Pakistan Bedsheet and Upholstery Manufacturers Association, All Pakistan Textile Sizing Industries Association, All Pakistan Cotton Power Looms Association and Council of Loom Owners here on Monday, Chairman PTEA Ajmal Farooq condemned the Government’s discriminatory attitude towards the Punjab-based textile industry as it is facing a serious blow of non-viability within the country.
He said that industries in Sindh are using low priced gas for their industrial needs; whereas highest revenue generating Punjab based industries are compelled to use high cost Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) for their production process which is quite injustice.
With recent announcement of reduction in industrial gas tariff, gas price for Sind industries have become Rs. 400/- per mmbtu; whereas Punjab based industries are charged over Rs. 900/- per mmbtu of RLNG and with huge difference of 120% in gas prices how can we survive, he said.
He expressed disappointment over disinterested and non-cooperative attitude of the Government institutions. We are repeatedly showing concerns over the situation but unfortunately all of hue and cry is falling on deaf ears of the policy makers. He urged the Prime Minister to take notice of discrimination with Punjab industries on gas prices and demanded to ensure gas supply to industries at equal price across the board.
He further demanded to immediately announce long awaited Prime Minister’s package for ailing textile industry and supply of electricity to industries at Rs. 7/- per unit to compete well in international market. He announced that if the Government not fulfills their demands, there will be massive protest for their rights. He also announced to observe 6th December as Black Day.
President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Muhammad Saeed deplored that the Government is not addressing the reasons behind the industrial crisis and situation may be alarming further in coming months as 50% industrial capacity in Punjab has become dysfunctional. With huge difference in gas prices, we are at disadvantage with Sindh industries.
Naveed Gulzar of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association said that Policymakers are not serious in resolving issues of the textile industry and the situation is worsening day by day. He demanded to apply equal tariff of industrial gas across the board.
