Morbi, March 17 The ceramic industry in Morbi, Gujarat, decided on Tuesday that approximately 430 of its units would not operate for at least the next three weeks, as the conflict in West Asia has disrupted the supply of gas required in the manufacturing process, an official said.
The West Asian region has been experiencing military turmoil with the US and Israeli forces engaged in a war against Iran, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz – a major waterway.
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 in Morbi, Gujarat, was held today, where the owners of approximately 430 units engaged in consultations regarding the gas crisis and related issues, and collectively decided to shut down their factories," said Manoj Arvadiya, president of the Morbi Ceramic Manufacturing Association.
"The ceramic units that use propane gas first shut down their operations as the supply of gas ran out. Later, those using natural gas also closed down. Now, approximately 430 such units have collectively decided not to operate until April 10-15 and will use this time for maintaining their machines. They will resume operations once the new supply of gas is available," 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 coming days.
"The collective, voluntary decision made by the members of the association during the meeting entails a shutdown period of 20 to 25 days," Arvadiya said.
The entire situation depends on when the conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel will cease, and when the regular supply of gases is restored.