Surat: Textile processing industry representatives will discuss the issue of rising prices of coal on Thursday. South Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA) has organised the meeting to discuss the sharp rise in coal prices and its impact on textile processing units in the region.The issue has emerged as a major concern for processors at a time when demand for textile products is picking up ahead of Navratri and Diwali and many units have orders lined up.According to textile processors, coal prices have surged steeply over the past 20 days, with rates per tonne climbing from around Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,500. Processors added that prices for better-quality coal have risen even further, touching up to Rs 12,000 per tonne in some cases.The sudden escalation in input costs is increasing operational pressure on processing units, where coal is a key fuel for boilers and other heat-intensive processes.Industry representatives said the timing of the price increase has added to the challenge, as processors are currently working to meet festive-season timelines while managing higher day-to-day production expenses.With coal forming a significant share of processing costs, units are assessing whether they will need to revise processing charges to offset the jump in fuel prices.SGTPA members are expected to deliberate on the extent of the impact and the pricing strategy to be adopted by the sector. The association said a unanimous decision, if reached, will be announced after Thursday’s meeting.
