Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL), India’s top stainless steel manufacturer, reported a reduction in plant operating capacity last Friday due to severe fuel shortages.

Ongoing Middle East conflict and shipping constraints in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted India’s imports of propane, LPG, and natural gas. Because stainless steel manufacturing relies heavily on these industrial gases, several key production processes now face adverse impacts.

The company said that government authorities diverted gas supplies to prioritize households, further tightening industrial availability.

In addition to fuel scarcity, global shipping disruptions caused longer transit times and cargo delays, squeezing margins and straining supply chains. Therefore, Jindal Stainless is rationalizing output as it navigates these logistical hurdles and seeks alternative fuel sources to stabilize operations.