LAHORE - All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has reacted strongly to the government decision of disconnecting gas supply to textile industry from 9th July to 20th July 2009, leading to decline in production and exports already tumbled to 30% in quantity terms and 35% closure of production capacity. It may be noted that the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has communicated to the textile industry for the curtailment of gas supply with effect from 9th July to 20th July 2009. The gas supply curtailment to the extent of 100 MMCFD is based on the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Power Crisis Resolution for the supply of gas to IPPs electricity generating plants, which can be operated on furnace oil. He said the textile units having electricity as the backup would shift on the electricity network, already burdened due to the shortage of electricity to the extent of 4000 MW. It would further add to the shortage on the system, he said, adding: The textile industry on the PEPCO network is already enduring 5 hours announced and 5 hours unannounced electricity load shedding. He further noted that the IPPs electricity generating units to run on 100 MMCFD gas taken from the captive power of the textile industry would generate 25% less electricity being low in thermal efficiency. Adding line losses on the system of DISCOs, percentage of losses would go up to 40%.