Confusion has increased in the gas sector as the government is still uncertain if it can accommodate the textile industry’s massive demand and continue with its recent gas distribution plans.
The question of how to supply natural gas to Punjab’s troubled textile industry remained unresolved during a meeting yesterday as two energy ministers opposed it, but Finance Minister Ishaq Dar used his veto against withdrawing gas from the industry.
“The finance minister asked relevant authorities to maintain supply of gas to textile units until a solution is reached in due course,” said a statement issued by the finance ministry after the meeting of the four-member special ministerial body.
Authoritative sources in the water and power ministry said the power ministry opposed tooth and nail the supply of gas to the textile sector at the cost of power plants and would remain adamant on its stand in future.
Power minister Khwaja Asif told the committee that his ministry was prepared to ensure non-stop power supply to the textile units barring the short lean period which would help them sustain production.
Petroleum minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said: “It was a stark reality that there was shortage of gas for even domestic consumers and it would be doubly difficult to supply gas to textile units under the circumstances.”
