In Surat fabric hub, labour exit adds to raw material crisis, production half
Indian Express·3h ago·Fear
What Happened
Surat's man-made fibre industry faces production cuts due to rising crude oil prices and worker exodus. Crude oil prices rose from $70-80 to $115 per barrel since the West Asia war began February 28. Raw material costs increased 35-40%, reducing daily fabric production from 6 crore metres to 3 crore metres per factory. Around 40% of 22 lakh workers, primarily from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, returned home. Factories implemented two weekly offs and cancelled night shifts. Community kitchens introduced to retain workers.
Key Entities
Suratman-made fibre industryWest Asia warplastic pelletscrude oilReliancemigrant workersBiharUttar PradeshpowerloomSouth Gujarat Textile Processing AssociationLaxmipati Group