The virtual shut-down of Morbi’s ceramics industry in March 2026 has had a devastating impact on the region’s economy.
The Indian city of Morbi, Gujarat, which handles most of India’s ceramic tile industry, was severely affected by
the restricted supply of LPG (liquid petroleum gas) following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Although recent, if tentative, ceasefires have led to a more optimistic outlook, supplies are still restricted. With only 83 manufacturing units operational at the end of March, the industry was in virtual standstill. By the end of April, however, 290 manufacturing units were working again, and it is estimated that 675-700 will be up and running by the middle of May.
Key to this industry restart is a switch from using liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to piped natural gas (PNG). Gujarati Gas has increased its supply of PNG to the Morbi factories to offset the reduction of imported LPG supplies. While most of the tile producers are able to use both PNG (piped natural gas) and LPG, PNG is significantly more expensive, with prices almost doubling in recent weeks, and at least some of this cost will inevitably be passed on to consumers. It remains to be seen how this will affect the industry long term, as instability in Western Asia continues to hit oil and gas prices.
At Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles we produce a range of high quality, custom ceramic tiles for indoor and outdoor use. Contact us today and let’s discuss how our products could become a key element in your latest project.