Firozabad, India's 'Glass City,' is facing a severe crisis as the Middle East conflict cripples its glassmaking industry. Thousands of day labourers have lost their jobs, and factories are struggling to operate due to a severe gas shortage.
The industry's reliance on gas-fired heat chambers, which need to run constantly at above 1,000 degrees Celsius, makes it vulnerable to supply cuts. India's heavy reliance on gas across the economy exacerbates the issue, with the government prioritizing household and agriculture needs over industry.
As a result, Firozabad's glassware exports have plummeted by 20% in March, and manufacturers are bracing for a potential loss of their entire production season. The crisis is not limited to Firozabad, with textile manufacturers in other parts of the country also struggling with steep freight inflation.
According to industry estimates, thousands of small manufacturing and exporting units are facing sharp increases in energy, chemical, and transport costs, threatening their survival. The Association of Indian Entrepreneurs warns that hundreds of thousands of workers may have already lost their jobs.
