As many as 430 ceramic units in Gujarat's Morbi will not operate for at least three weeks as the West Asia conflict has disrupted the supply of gas required in the manufacturing process, a representative of the industry said. In Morbi, known as the ceramic city and the world's second-largest hub for ceramic tile production, nearly 450 out of the total 670 factories have already ceased operations due to the gas shortage and many more are on the verge of shutting down in the days to come, officials said. The ceramic industry relies heavily on propane or natural gas for its operations, particularly for firing kilns and drying processes. The West Asian region has been facing military turmoil with the US and Israeli forces engaging in a war against Iran, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a major passage for vessels. "A special meeting of ceramic units operating at Morbi in Gujarat was convened on Tuesday, where the owners of around 430 units engaged in consultations regarding the g