Morbi, Mar 17 (PTI) The ceramic industry in Gujarat’s Morbi on Tuesday decided that around 430 of its units will not operate for at least next three weeks as the West Asia conflict has disrupted the supply of gas required in the manufacturing process, an office-bearer said.
The West Asian region has been facing military turmoil with the US and Israeli forces engaging in a war against Iran, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz – a major passage for vessels.
The ceramic industry relies heavily on propane or natural gas for its operations, particularly for firing kilns and drying processes.
“A special meeting of ceramic units operating at Morbi in Gujarat was convened today, where the owners of around 430 units engaged in consultations regarding the gas crisis and ancillary issues, and collectively decided to shut down their factories,” Manoj Arvadiya, president of the Morbi Ceramic Manufacturing Association, said.
“The ceramic units using propane gas first shut their operations as its supply got exhausted. Later, those using natural gas also closed the operations. Now, around 430 such units have collectively decided not to operate till April 10-15 and use the period for maintenance of their machines. They will together begin operations subject to the availability of the new supply of gas,” he said.
Officials said that in Morbi, known as the ceramic city and the world’s second-largest hub for ceramic tile production, approximately 450 out of the total 670 factories have already ceased operations due to the gas shortage and many more are on the verge of shutting down in the days to come.
“The collective, voluntary decision taken by the members of the association during the meeting entails a shutdown period of 20 to 25 days,” Arvadiya said.
The entire situation hinges on when the conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel will cease, and when the regular supply of gases is restored. PTI COR KA NP
Category: Breaking News
SEO Tags: #swadesi, #News, Gas supply disruption: Over 400 ceramic units in Gujarat’s Morbi not to operate for next 3 weeks