Tamil Nadu Apparel Export Industry Appeals for LPG Priority During Supply Crisis
The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has formally urged the Tamil Nadu government to include the critical apparel export sector within the 20% commercial LPG cylinder allotment currently permitted during the severe LPG shortage. This urgent request aims to safeguard manufacturing operations and prevent potential economic fallout.
Industry Representation to State Ministers
In a detailed representation addressed to Tamil Nadu state ministers R Sakkarapani and T R B Rajaa, AEPC chairman Dr A Sakthivel emphasized the immediate necessity of ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply to the apparel export industry. Dr Sakthivel highlighted that the ongoing LPG shortage has already severely impacted manufacturing processes across numerous facilities.
LPG serves as an indispensable fuel extensively utilized throughout garment manufacturing, particularly in essential processing segments including:
- Dyeing operations
- Washing processes
- Compacting units
- Finishing facilities
These processing units constitute the fundamental backbone of the entire apparel export ecosystem, with many operating under the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) category while already facing substantial cost pressures.
Potential Consequences of Continued Disruption
Dr Sakthivel further warned that any sustained disruption at this critical juncture could lead to multiple adverse outcomes:
- Cancellation of existing export orders from international buyers
- Diversion of business to competing countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam
- Permanent loss of market share that would prove difficult to recover
- Temporary shutdown of numerous factories unable to maintain operations
The AEPC chairman expressed particular concern about the cascading effect on employment, noting that factory closures would severely affect the livelihoods of thousands of workers and their dependent family members across Tamil Nadu's apparel manufacturing hubs.
Urgent Appeal for Government Intervention
In his concluding appeal, Dr Sakthivel requested the Tamil Nadu government to seriously consider including the apparel export industry within the limited 20% commercial LPG cylinder allotment framework. This strategic inclusion would enable the sector to continue its operations without major disruption during this challenging period of fuel scarcity.
The apparel export industry represents a significant contributor to Tamil Nadu's economy and India's overall export figures, making its operational continuity during the LPG shortage a matter of both regional and national economic importance.
