Tirupur: Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has urged the Tamil Nadu govt to include the apparel export industry within the 20% commercial LPG cylinder allotment permitted during the current LPG shortage.In a representation addressed to state ministers R Sakkarapani and T R B Rajaa, AEPC chairman Dr A Sakthivel highlighted the urgent need to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply to the apparel export industry. He said the LPG shortage has severely impacted the manufacturing process in industries. LPG is a critical fuel used extensively in garment manufacturing, especially in processing segments such as dyeing, washing, compacting, and finishing units that form the backbone of the apparel export ecosystem. Many of these units fall under the MSME category and are already operating under significant cost pressures. He further emphasized that any disruption at this stage may result in cancellation of orders and diversion of business to competing countries, which would be difficult to recover. If the situation persists, many factories may be forced to temporarily shut down, which would severely affect the livelihood of workers and their families. Dr Sakthivel appealed to the Tamil Nadu govt to consider including the apparel export industry within the 20% commercial LPG cylinder allotment so that the sector can continue its operations without disruption during this challenging period.
