AGRA Geopolitical tensions in West Asia are sending shockwaves through the historic glass and bangle industry of UP’s Firozabad. Widely known as ‘Suhag Nagari,’ the manufacturing hub is grappling with a severe supply chain crisis, leading to factory closures, a sharp drop in production and dwindling international orders.
The fuel crisis is compounded by a collapse in international demand, particularly from the United States. The US is historically the biggest buyer of Firozabad’s glassware craft, accounting for 60% of total exports. (HT File Photo) The crisis lies in the sudden disruption of essential fuel needed to operate the city’s glass furnaces. Firozabad heavily relies on Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG), but the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the US has severely constrained supply lines.
Out of the 200 registered glasswork units in the city, only 130 to 140 remain operational. The rest have been forced to shut down entirely.
Binni Mittal, president of Industrial Estate Cooperative Society in Firozabad said: “Production has gone down by 50% to 60% with a cut in gas supply and declining orders. Running cost for units has risen as gas provided by the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) is affected by the West Asia conflict.”
“Recent attacks on Qatar-based energy infrastructure has hit gas supply hard. The Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG), forming half of the gas component supplied to Firozabad, comes from Qatar and is not coming these days. The other option of spot gas is four times the cost and makes it nearly impossible for manufacturing units to run,” said Mukesh Bansal Toni, chairman of Glass Manufacturers and Exporters Association in Firozabad.
The fuel crisis is compounded by a collapse in international demand, particularly from the US, historically the biggest buyer of Firozabad’s gl
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