A faraway conflict threatens livelihoods in India's glass hub
Summary
A conflict in the Middle East is causing problems for glass factories in Firozabad, India, which produces most of the country’s glass. Natural gas shortages and rising costs are forcing many factories to cut production, putting jobs and incomes at risk.Key Facts
- Firozabad produces 70% of India’s glass and employs about 150,000 people.
- Glassmaking requires natural gas to keep furnaces very hot.
- Tensions in the Middle East have disrupted gas supplies and increased prices in India.
- India imports almost half of its natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route affected by the conflict.
- The Indian government cut commercial gas supplies by 20% to manage shortages.
- Factories are running furnaces at lower temperatures and stopping production for days to save gas.
- Costs for raw materials and shipping have gone up due to supply disruptions and higher expenses.
- Many small glass factories face losses of 25-45% and worry about closing if the situation continues.
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