High fuel cost shackles Saurashtra ceramic units

 Fuels account for 35 per cent of the production expense of ceramic companies in Saurashtra. Ceramic firms in this area get natural gas from private firms at Rs 23 a kg.

 Companies in Kadi, Kalol and Ankleswar get natural gas through pipeline at Rs 4 a kg. Firms in Saurashtra are buying natural gas from private parties owing to non-availability of pipeline gas. This is inflating their fuel cost.