Erratic gas supply hits Assam tea production

GUWAHATI: Tea production in Assam, the largest grower, is suffering due to erratic supply of gas and the industry is witnessing production losses. Assam Bought Leaf Tea Manufacturers' Association (ABLTMA) said gas supply has been erratic this year, forcing a shutdown of factories many times. It has sought the intervention of the Tea Board of India.

ABLTMA chairman Chand Kumar Gohain said factories are unable to purchase leaves for processing due to power supply glitches. Small tea growers will have to stop plucking and prices of green leaves will be affected.

About 40-45% of annual output is produced in August, September and October. However, the non-availability of gas has resulted in production loss.

Assam Gas has said erratic supply from Oil India (OIL) has impeded work at tea factories. But OIL sources said consumers have not been able to get supplies on time due to frequent blockades which disrupt the flow of gas along the grid.