Surat Textile Units to Shut 2 Days Weekly Amid Labour Shortage and Rising Costs

Textile processing units in Surat have decided to scale down operations by shutting factories for two days each week, as the industry struggles with a growing labour shortage and increasing production costs.

The move comes at a time when the sector is already facing seasonal workforce migration during March, when many workers return to their native places around the Holi festival. However, this year’s situation has worsened due to disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis, which has impacted LPG supply—an essential resource for textile processing.

According to Jitu Vakharia, president of the South Gujarat Textile Processors Association, the LPG shortage has further reduced the availability of workers, as many labourers have left and are unlikely to return for at least two months.

Factory owners said that workers typically receive one weekly day off, but during peak demand periods even that break is often suspended. Under the new plan, the two-day shutdown will include the regular weekly off, effectively reducing operational days.

Industry stakeholders also anticipate a slowdown in demand, especially in exports. Several consignments are currently stuck at ports or delayed in transit, adding pressure on manufacturers already dealing with rising costs.

The decision to cut production is seen as a necessary step to manage expenses, stabilize operations, and cope with the ongoing labour crunch in one of India’s largest textile hubs.