Kathmandu, March 24 -- As the conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran intensifies in West Asia, the repercussions are beginning to manifest in Nepali industries. Plastic manufacturers are on the verge of closure due to a severe shortage of raw materials, with active plants already slashing production by 30 per cent.

Swagat Raj Pyakurel, proprietor of MM Polymers, said that heavy production cuts had become unavoidable due to procurement hurdles. His company, based in the Hetauda Industrial District, produces bottles for major beverages including Coca-Cola and Fanta. Pyakurel noted a growing scarcity of petrochemicals and polymers-essential industrial inputs for plastic goods.

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