APTMA launches Forum to promote prudent use of gas

12 Jun '12

2 min read

All Pakistan Textile Manufacturers Association (APTMA) has launched Save Pakistan Industry Forum (SPIF) with an aim to generte awareness among general public on prudent use of gas.

The Forum would also make an appeal to the legislators to divert precious gas from CNG pumps to power producers and textile and other industries.

SPIF, launched in association with Independent Power Plants (IPPs) and the fertilizer industry of Pakistan, is intended at safeguarding the country against any unprecedented energy crisis, by restraining its misuse, said Shehzad Ali Khan, APTMA senior member.

Mr. Gohar Ejaz, Group Leader of APTMA, said Pakistan is passing through a phase of unprecedented energy crisis, and it is high time that the flaws in the energy policy of 2003 are corrected.

While formulating the energy policy nearly a decade ago, it was presumed that the gas reserves would suffice for the next 60 years. Based on this presumption, the legislators diverted cheap fuel to the transport sector, leading to establishment of 5,000 CNG stations with gas consumption of 500 MMCFD.

Pakistan has left behind India, Brazil, Iran and Argentina in conversion of vehicles into CNG, with demand for gas growing at an annual rate of 25 percent.

As such, today, while the textile industry in the country is receiving only five days per week gas supply, there is unlimited supply of gas at CNG stations, he noted.

Stressing on the need to control the rising cost of production, particularly for the textile industry, to sustain its viability, Mr. Ejaz said to the detriment of the IPPs and textile industry, the Government is providing a subsidy of Pk Rs. 50 billion on CNG, which is taking a toll on all the industries in the country, including the textile industry.

The former APTMA chief said that with rising circular debt, it is not possible to install any new power plant in the country.

He said that in Bangladesh, 68 percent of gas is diverted to the power plants to support industrial operations.

SPIF aims to work out a plan to offset increased use of gas by the CNG sector by emphasizing on judicious use of natural resources, he added.

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