India Textile Entrepreneurs Protest Over 60% Rise in Power Charges

More than 350 textile entrepreneurs from Coimbatore and Tirupur observed a fast at Karanampettai, demanding regulation of waste cotton prices and relief on electricity-related charges.

The Recycle Textile Federation called for control of waste cotton costs, exemption from rooftop solar network charges, and reduction of levies imposed by the Electricity Department.

Industry leaders stated that additional electricity charges have increased by over 60% since 2022, with revisions implemented each July.

The sector has reportedly received no substantial government response over the past 4 years, despite repeated appeals for relief.

Stakeholders warned that rising raw material and power costs are impacting MSMEs in one of India’s key textile clusters.