India's Auto Boom at Risk: Iran-Israel War Chokes Gas Supplies, Straining Supply Chains

• India's auto industry faces production slowdowns due to gas shortages caused by the Iran-Israel conflict, threatening growth in the world's third-largest car market.
• Parts suppliers to major carmakers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra are already reporting gas shortages, indicating early supply chain disruptions.
• The disruption hits as India's car demand soars to record levels, with sales expected to exceed 4.5 million units this fiscal year, leaving manufacturers with little excess inventory.
• India, heavily reliant on Middle East energy, imports 50% of its natural gas, primarily from Qatar, which has shut its refinery after Iranian attacks.
• While automakers haven't officially cut production, some factories are operating below capacity, and small manufacturers are particularly vulnerable to gas supply issues.