Low gas pressures in Bangladesh are hampering the productivity of its primary textile mill as approximately 40 percent of its production capacity remains underutilized due to the current low gas pressure.
This issue has been compounded by a nearly 100 percent increase in gas prices in February of this year. Millers have urged the government to at least ensure a reliable supply in their facilities,
In a meeting, the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) with its standing committee on power, energy, and utility discussed concerns regarding power supply in textile mills. The mill owners presented five recommendations to the Government. One of these proposals involves the development of an energy policy and the redirection of gas from dormant power plants and quick rental power units to textile mills.
The BTMA also suggested that the Government explore the possibility of diverting from fertilizer factories to supply textile mills, considering the government’s ability to import fertilizer. Other recommendations included rationing gas from CNG stations for textile mills and devising strategies for optimizing usage from Bhola.
Moreover, the mill owners plan to hold a press conference soon to emphasize the textile sector’s significance in the economy and will share their recommendations during meetings with the Energy Secretary and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.
The millers also plan to meet with the Prime Minister, along with representatives from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
