According to business leader Anant Goenka, India Inc may postpone private sector capital expenditures and implement energy conservation measures, such as remote work, as the ongoing conflict in West Asia disrupts supply chains and increases input costs. He made these remarks on Monday, April 6.
Goenka, who is the Vice Chairman of the RPG Group and President of FICCI, stated in an interview with CNBC-TV18 that the first significant impact companies should prepare for is supply chain risk.
He pointed out that the uncertainty surrounding raw material supplies has created stress across various sectors, cautioning that businesses are currently operating in a “hand-to-mouth” scenario.
“My advice is to avoid non-essential capital expenditures until clarity is achieved, secure additional funding from banks, and engage in currency hedging,” Goenka told CNBC-TV18’s Ashmit Kumar.
He noted that extending work-from-home arrangements is a “very easy option,” especially since most workplaces have adapted to such a setup during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing the risks faced by smaller businesses, Goenka urged the government to take immediate action to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He proposed measures such as expanding credit guarantee programs, considering moratoriums, accelerating approvals, and enhancing export credit support.
He also stressed the importance of clear guidelines on force majeure to shield MSMEs from penalties due to delayed deliveries that occur as a result of war-related disruptions.
“Focusing on MSMEs and providing clarity on force majeure can have a significant impact,” he stated, warning that ongoing uncertainty could result in deeper business disruptions, including potential factory closures in the weeks ahead.
Also Read: West Asia conflict has escalated into a ‘systemic tremor,’ says FM
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
First Published: Apr 6, 2026 7:39 PM IST
