Escalating tensions in the Gulf region, particularly involving Iran and the United States, are now significantly impacting India’s export sector. Rajasthan, especially Jaipur, has emerged as one of the worst-hit regions, with export activities to Gulf countries nearly coming to a halt.

Containers Pile Up, Costs Surge
Exporters are facing mounting pressure as container yards in Jaipur witness an unprecedented buildup. Where facilities earlier handled around 150 containers, the number has now surged to over 2,000.

The disruption in shipping routes—mainly due to security concerns in the Middle East and Red Sea—has sharply increased logistics costs. Freight charges have jumped from $300–500 to as high as $2,000–4,500 per container. Additionally, rising war risk surcharges have pushed insurance costs to between $1,200 and $2,400. Delivery timelines have also been extended by 10 to 15 days.

Nationwide Backlog at Ports
The crisis is not limited to Jaipur. Major logistics hubs such as Kanakpura Inland Container Depot (ICD), Mundra Port, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA) are experiencing heavy congestion. Across the country, an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 containers are currently stranded due to canceled bookings and irregular ship arrivals.

Granite and Marble Sector Worst Affected
Rajasthan’s granite and marble industries are bearing the brunt of the disruption. Key industrial hubs like Jalore, Kishangarh, and Ajmer have seen operations severely curtailed.

Industry estimates suggest business losses of nearly ₹800 crore per month. In Jalore alone, about 80% of units are on the verge of closure, with nearly 250 units already shut down in the past two weeks.

Rising Unemployment and Worker Migration
The slowdown has triggered a serious employment crisis. Over 6,000 workers have reportedly lost their jobs, prompting migration as families struggle to cope with the sudden loss of income.

Uncertain Outlook
Experts warn that the situation may persist until geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region ease and normal shipping routes are restored. Until then, exporters and industries in Rajasthan are likely to continue facing financial strain and operational challenges.