Surat, March 29, 2026. The war-like situation in the Gulf region has started showing a significant impact on the industries of South Gujarat. To address these concerns, a high-level meeting was organized on Sunday under the chairmanship of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The meeting was attended by various administrative officials and prominent representatives from the industrial sector.
During the session, a delegation from the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including President Nikhil Madrasi, Vice President Ashok Jirawala, Honorary Treasurer Mitish Modi, and Secretary Polik Desai, presented a detailed report on the challenges facing the trade and industry sectors due to the Gulf crisis. As per agency report, the chamber specifically highlighted the negative consequences for the textile, plastic, diamond, and chemical industries, urging the government to implement immediate relief measures. They emphasized that without timely policy-based support, the condition of these industries could deteriorate further.
The chamber representatives explained that the depreciation of the rupee and fluctuations in foreign exchange have led to an increase in the cost of imported raw materials, which is severely affecting the profitability of various businesses. Additionally, the instability in crude oil prices has made it difficult for manufacturers to create stable production plans. The industrial sector is also facing disruptions in the supply of industrial gas, which is hampering the overall production process.
The crisis has also extended to the labor force, as a shortage of LPG cylinders in labor colonies is causing significant hardships for workers. This situation has prompted many laborers to return to their home states, creating a potential labor shortage for local industries. The diamond industry has been directly hit as well, with exports being affected by disruptions in international trading hubs like Dubai and Antwerp, leading to accumulated stock. To mitigate this, the chamber suggested that the government should allow re-import without customs duty and take steps toward making India a global trading hub.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi listened to the concerns raised by the chamber and assured the representatives that the state government would take swift and effective action to resolve the issues. He stated that the government stands firmly with the industries during this challenging period and remains committed to providing the necessary relief and support to ensure their stability.
