Context
The escalating military turmoil in West Asia, involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran, has severely disrupted energy supply chains. This has direct consequences for energy-dependent industrial clusters in India,
1. Key Geographic Bottleneck: The Strait of Hormuz
- Significance: It is a major global passage for vessels carrying petroleum and gas shipments from the Gulf countries.
- Conflict Impact: The strait is currently closed to vessels due to the war.
- Strategic Control: The article identifies the Strait of Hormuz as being under Iran’s control.
2. Industrial Profile: Morbi Ceramic Cluster
- Location: It is situated on the Kathiawar peninsula. The city is on the Machhu River.
- Scale: Morbi is famously known as the “Ceramic City of India.” This city plays a vital role in producing a wide range of ceramic products and is recognized for its significant contribution to the industry. Morbi is the second-largest ceramic production hub in the world.
- Products:
- Ceramic tiles: Floor tiles, wall tiles, vitrified tiles, and digital tiles.
- Sanitary ware: Toilets, Basins, and bathroom accessories.
- Employment: It provides direct and indirect livelihoods to an estimated 2 to 4 lakh workers.
- Energy Dependency: The industry relies heavily on propane, LPG, and natural gas for firing kilns and drying processes.
- Nearly 80% of units are dependent on propane.
- Natural gas is primarily supplied to the region by Gujarat Gas Ltd.
3. Vulnerabilities in Energy Supply Chains
- Import Reliance: Essential fuels like propane and natural gas for this sector are sourced from the Gulf region.
- Supply Disruptions: Shipments are stuck due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Propane supplies were further hampered by an accident at a port in Saudi Arabia on February 23.
- Economic Impact: A prolonged conflict (4 weeks or more) could lead to an industry-wide shutdown lasting 30 to 45 days, with sharp rises in fuel prices threatening the survival of smaller units.
Q. Which Indian City is Known as Ceramic City of India?
(a) Morbi
(b) Sri Nagar
(c) Udaipur
(d) Coimbatore
Answer: A
Explanation:
Morbi is a city in Gujarat, India, famously known as the "Ceramic City of India." This city plays a vital role in producing a wide range of ceramic products and is recognized for its significant contribution to the industry. Morbi is the second-largest ceramic production hub in the world.
