AEPC Chairman urges TN govt to include apparel export industry in 20% commercial LPG cylinder allotment

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman A Sakthivel
| Photo Credit:
cueapi

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman A Sakthivel, has urged the Tamil Nadu government to include the apparel export Industry within the 20 per cent commercial LPG cylinder allotment permitted during the current LPG shortage. This will help the sector, which employs lakhs of employees, to continue its operations without disruption during this challenging period.

In a representation addressed to R Sakkarapani, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, and TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Sakthivel highlighted the urgent need to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply to the apparel export industry, says a release from APEC.

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, Sakthivel said in the release.

AEPC has requested the State government to consider, including the apparel export Industry within the 20 per cent commercial LPG cylinder allotment so that industries may receive at least a limited but essential supply during this critical period.

Vital role

Sakthivel pointed out that LPG plays a vital role in sustaining the processing operations of the industry. If the present shortage continues, many processing units may be forced to suspend operations, which could have a cascading effect on garment manufacturing units and export production.

The industry provides direct and indirect employment to lakhs of workers across Tamil Nadu. If the situation persists, many factories may be forced to temporarily shut down, which would severely affect the livelihood of workers and their families, he said.

Published on March 15, 2026