The ceramic industry in Morbi, one of India's largest manufacturing hubs for tiles and sanitaryware, is staring at a possible shutdown as gas supplies from the Gulf region remain disrupted amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
The crisis follows a war-like situation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has severely impacted maritime trade routes. Shipments of petroleum and gas from Gulf nations have been delayed after Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping corridors for energy supplies.
The conflict escalated further following the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, in attacks carried out by the United States on Saturday, intensifying military tensions in the region.
The ceramic industry in Morbi depends heavily on propane or natural gas to run its operations, particularly for firing kilns and drying ceramic products. With shipments stalled at the Strait of Hormuz, many manufacturers are facing an imminent fuel shortage.
Industry sources say companies using propane gas currently have stock that can last only three to four days. Meanwhile, compressed natural gas (CNG) supplied by Gujarat Gas Limited may sustain operations for about a week, after which production could grind to a halt if supplies are not restored.