Jetpur: Since the outbreak of war in the Gulf region, the saree industry in Jetpur has been pushed into a severe crisis, with most gas-based units shutting down and the remaining ones on the brink of closure due to curbs on the supply of industrial LPG and rising costs.

A majority of factories dependent on LPG-based processes have already ceased operations. Those still functioning are now facing imminent shutdowns following a steep hike of around ₹195 in the price of industrial gas cylinders. Industry stakeholders warn that if the current situation persists for another 15 days, the saree industry in Jetpur could come to a complete standstill.

The crisis began soon after the conflict escalated, disrupting the supply of industrial LPG cylinders essential for running printing and processing machines. Initially, factory owners hoped the situation would normalize within a few days, allowing operations to resume. However, even after nearly one-and-a-half months, there is no clarity on when the conflict will end or when industrial gas supplies will stabilize to pre-war levels.

A saree unit owner in Jetpur said that their printing machinery is entirely gas-operated, but they have not received industrial gas supplies for the past 35 days, forcing them to shut down operations completely. “Most migrant workers have also returned to their native places as factories remain closed. Even though we are ready to bear the increased cost of gas, cylinders are simply not available,” the owner said.

The combined impact of supply disruption, rising input costs, and labour migration has left the once-thriving saree industry in Jetpur struggling for survival. DeshGujarat