Middle East Tensions Threaten India's Glass Industry

0:00It's April 29th. This is Global News Today, AI-powered stories shaping the world. I'm Kauri with the story. Middle East tensions are hitting India's glass hub and furrows of at heart, putting 150,000 jobs on the line. This town makes everything from bangles to car lights and chandeliers, with workers earning just 500 to 1000 rupees a day, about 5 to $10. Factories rely on natural gas to keep furnaces blazing hot, but supplies from the straight of hormones got disrupted, jacking up costs and uncertainty. Factory owners like those running bangle units had to slash production after the government cut commercial gas by 20% to manage shortages. They keep furnaces running low to avoid damage, but halt work for days at a time, leading to losses of 25 to 45%. Raw materials from the Middle East are pricier too, and exports to places like the US face higher shipping fees. Customs are feeling the squeeze big time, with shifts dropping from 6 days to 4 a week.

1:02Families already battling inflation are pulling kids from school to cut costs, and frustration bored over into road blockades and protests in Uttar. Pradesh for better wages, the state bumped pay a bit, but many say it's not enough. Government ministries are briefing on stabilizing petroleum and cooking gas, prioritizing big sectors like steel and pharma over small glass units. It's worn these micro factories lack cash to survive long, without steady supplies. The real worry is how long this drags on, with Middle East repairs taking months and no quick fix in sight. For FerozaBad's crew, it's a stark reminder how global shocks can shatter local lives overnight.