Saurashtra units face fuel crisis

摘要

The ceramic industry of Saurashtra is finding competing in the domestic and international markets a tough task owing to high fuel costs. Fuels account for 35 percent of the production expense of ceramic companies in Saurashtra. Ceramic firms in this area get natural gas from private firms at Rs 23 a kg. Companies in Kadi, Kalol and Ankleswar get natural gas through pipeline at Rs 4 a kg. Firms in Saurashtra are buying natural gas from private parties owing to non-availability of pipeline gas. This is inflating their fuel cost. "If the government can provide gas, electricity and water to this industry at lower rates, the sector can become a major money spinner of Saurashtra," said Prafulbhai Detroja, president, Morbio-Dhuva Glaze Tiles Association.