Global Tensions Hit MSMEs in Pimpri-Chinchwad Industrial Belt
- Industrialists raise concern over supply disruptions
Pimpri : Escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States in the Gulf region are beginning to impact industries in India, with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Pimpri-Chinchwad industrial belt facing significant disruption.
Addressing a press conference, Sandeep Belsare, President of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Laghu Udyog Sanghatana, said the ongoing geopolitical tensions have affected import and export activities, resulting in raw materials and finished goods being stranded at several ports.
According to the industry body, the supply of key metals such as Aluminium, Copper and Brass has been delayed, leading to shortages in the market and a sharp increase in raw material prices.
The situation has also impacted fuel supplies from Gulf countries. Gas imports to India have become uncertain, leading to rising prices and reduced availability for industrial use. In some areas, the government has reportedly curtailed gas supply meant for industries, creating serious operational challenges for manufacturers.
Industries such as fabrication, powder coating and CD coating depend heavily on LPG for production processes. However, disruptions in gas supply have severely affected operations in the Pimpri-Chinchwad industrial region. Belsare stated that nearly 7,000 to 8,000 MSME units in the area are suffering daily losses worth several crores of rupees due to the crisis.
The disruption has also affected production schedules, with many small-scale entrepreneurs struggling to complete orders on time as costs continue to rise. This has pushed several MSMEs into financial stress.
A large number of small industries in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Talegaon, Chakan and Ranjangaon operate as vendors for major automobile and engineering companies such as Bajaj Auto, Mahindra & Mahindra and Thermax. Industry representatives warned that the ongoing situation could disrupt the broader industrial supply chain.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Laghu Udyog Sanghatana has urged both the Central and State governments to intervene urgently and ensure a smooth and uninterrupted supply of industrial gas to prevent further losses to the MSME sector, Belsare said.
