Processors strike: Textile sector losses pegged at 600 crore

SURAT: The indefinite strike called by the textile processors has entered its fifth day here today, causing estimated losses of over Rs 600 crore.
The 400-odd textile processors, who are on an indefinite strike demanding a roll back in the gas tariff of Rs 16.64 per standard cubic metre (scm) announced by Gujarat Gas Company Limited (GGCL), on Tuesday met minister of state for energy and petrochemicals Saurabh Patel and senior management of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) in Gandhinagar.
Industry sources said textile processing units located at Pandesara, Sachin and Kadodara finish about 3 crore metres of grey fabrics per day worth Rs 100 crore supplied to them by the powerloom weavers and textile traders. The indefinite strike has paralysed the textile sector as the finishing of fabrics has stopped.
South Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA) leaders said the talks with the minister of state for energy and petrochemicals and the senior management of GSPC were successful and that they have assured to take up the issue with the Central Government for fixing the gas quota from the PMT field.
SGTPA vice-president Vinod Agarwal said, "The minister of energy and petrochemicals will take up the issue with the GGCL management and the central government. We want the GGCL to supply us gas at old rates."
The textile processors have planned to take out a massive rally from Vanita Vishram ground at Athwalines to the GGCL's head office in Adajan. The textile workers are also likely to participate in the rally.
A member of SGTPA's task force Vishal Budhia said, "We are talking with the textile processors in Palsana and surrounding areas for their participation in the strike. It is likely that SGTPA will get a massive support from the industrial and commercial users in the next couple of days."