The fallout of the United States and Iran conflict is already visible in Gujarat’s Morbi district, where about 100 ceramic manufacturing units have been forced to shut down because of disruptions in fuel supplies.
According to Manoj Arvadiya, the situation could worsen in the coming days if propane supplies are not restored and suppliers fail to provide clear guidance.
He said that due to the current war-like conditions, propane gas has not been available for the past two days, forcing around 100 units that depend on the fuel to shut down operations. The remarks were reported by Press Trust of India.
Arvadiya warned that nearly 400 additional propane-powered units may also have to suspend operations within a week if the supply situation does not improve. He added that without clear guidelines on gas availability and a normalisation of supply, many more units could be forced to close by next week.
Morbi is among the largest ceramic manufacturing centres in the world and is home to hundreds of factories that produce tiles and other ceramic products for both domestic and international markets.
Arvadiya said factories that rely on gas supplied by Gujarat Gas are still operating at present. However, he noted that their future also appears uncertain due to the limited availability of gas. He also said that Bhupendra Patel has expressed concern over the developing situation.
Background of the United States and Iran conflict
The conflict began after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on February 28. The attacks resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered a broader regional conflict that has disrupted daily life and trade across West Asia.
Iran responded by launching multiple attacks on American targets in the region, including military bases and embassies. Iranian drones and missiles have also led to the shutdown of several oil and gas facilities in the region.
In addition, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s fuel supply, has become increasingly difficult.
These developments have disrupted global oil and gas supplies, contributing to a sharp rise in crude oil prices.
