Ceramic players to go on indefinite strike from Nov 27

To protest against price rise by GSPC, new billing system

To oppose price rise of natural gas and billing system of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd (GSPC), Morbi-based ceramic manufacturers have decided to go on indefinite strike from November 27.recently GSPC had increased the prices of liquified natural gas (LNG) by Rs 5 per cubic meter which the ceramic industry claimed was unexpected.

"It is pure blackmail by GSPC as we have no other options. Without prior information the gas company always increases the price and puts us in trouble. Moreover, new bill policy is not viable for us. To oppose these harassment we have decided to go on strike," said Divyesh Patel, president of Morbi-Dhuva Glaze Tiles Association.
 

Last week GSPC has increased the LNG price to Rs 46.60 per cubic meter.

The ceramic manufacturers had met the GSPC officials and minister for energy and petrochemicals Saurabh Patel but could not get a positive response.

With the price rise GSPC has also made compulsory 80 percent payment of monthly bill whether ceramic units use gas or not.

Sukhdev Patel, president of Gujarat Granito Vitrified Association said, "The way GSPC is billing us it is illogical as at times during the year units are closed for various reasons."

He said that, this strike will affect more than 200,000 people directly and indirectly associated with the industry. Not only ceramic industry but the strike will affect packaging industry, paper units, transporters and raw material suppliers, Patel added.

Patel said, "At this price levels we cannot do business."

Morbi-based ceramic manufacturers had raised price by 20 per cent with immediate effect before Diwali, following Gujarat high court's direction for strict implementation of the guidelines issued by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) with regard to use of gas-based furnaces.

In India there are about 750 ceramic products manufacturers, out of which more than 500 units are located in the Morbi near Rajkot in Gujarat.

The total turnover of the Indian ceramic industry is about Rs 10,000 crore wherein Gujarat contributes about Rs 7,000-8,000 crore. The industry gives direct and indirect employment to the over 600,000 people across India.