West Asia War Disrupts Nepal’s Plastic Industry, Saline Production Hit

Biratnagar: The ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to a shortage of raw materials for plastic bottle production, affecting industries in the Sunsari–Morang industrial corridor. Alekza Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. in Budhiganga, Morang, has halted its saline water production since Thursday, which used to produce 30,000 bottles daily.Production at Everest Parenteral Pvt. Ltd. in Birgunj has dropped to 15 percent, with only 15,000 bottles produced per day, according to managing director Umang Sariya. MM Plastic Industry can continue production for a maximum of seven more days.The war between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. has disrupted the supply of raw materials for plastics, pharmaceuticals, edible oil, textiles, footwear, and construction materials. Despite price doubling or tripling, supplies have not arrived, putting many industries at risk of closure.The shortage of plastic granules has severely impacted the production of packaging materials, pipes, bottles, chairs, and other plastic goods. Transport disruptions from India and Gulf countries have intensified the crisis.Rising raw material costs have increased production expenses, leading to higher consumer prices and shortages of daily necessities. Industry representatives warn that if the conflict continues, the daily lives of Nepali consumers will be severely affected.