Tirupur knitwear units stare at clousre as LPG crisis worsens

Tirupur: Acute shortage of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) has disrupted industrial activity in Tirupur knitwear cluster, with industry representatives warning that the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) may be forced to shut down within a week, if supplies are not restored.Calling the situation similar to the Covid-19 period, the Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) said supply chain disruptions have begun to affect production across units. The association has submitted a representation to the state govt, seeking immediate intervention. According to TEA joint secretary Kumar Duraiswamy, Tirupur, which houses more than 20,000 knitwear units, predominantly MSMEs, depends heavily on LPG for operations. "The textile sector alone requires around 204 tonnes of LPG per day for dyeing, printing and processing, while hotels, lodges and bakeries consume about 150 tonnes of LPG daily, taking the cluster's total daily LPG requirement to nearly 350 tonnes." Pointing out that existing LPG stock would last only for a week, he said any prolonged disruption in resumption of supply would severely impact production schedules and export commitments. A TEA delegation met chief secretary N Muruganandam on Saturday to highlight the crisis and urged the govt to review the order on the stoppage of commercial LPG supply, considering Tirupur's critical dependence on the fuel. Duraiswamy said industrial canteens in Tirupur were currently catering to nearly four lakh workers. "In view of LPG shortage, officials have proposed setting up temporary community kitchens in large halls, with each facility serving workers from around 50 industrial hostels to ensure uninterrupted food supply." Tirupur's workforce largely relies on small eateries, tea shops and bakeries, which are already struggling with high LPG prices. While officials suggested shifting to compressed natural gas (CNG), the availability of which is better, industry representatives said the transition to CNG would require time and significant investment in infrastructure. "The pipeline network is available outside Tirupur, and with industry willingness, the govt has assured support to facilitate CNG connections on a priority basis," Duraiswamy said. The association also flagged a requirement of 125 tonnes of coal per day as an alternative fuel, noting that Coal India has adequate stock. The state govt has assured a plan on coal supply distribution soon. "Even if the geopolitical situation stabilizes now, LPG supply normalization could take three to four months. If shortage continues, MSMEs will be hit hard, and closures may begin within a week," Duraiswamy said.