E-comm supply chains on edge

With the government shutting down operations at 24 airports across northern and western India amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, ripple effects have been felt across logistics networks and e-commerce supply chains, according to two government officials familiar with the matter.

- Dhirendra Kumar & Ranjani Raghavan

State-owned India Post's parcel and mail operations have already seen disruptions, while delivery service providers are struggling to meet deadlines due to cargo flights being grounded or diverted, the first official said on condition of anonymity impact on essential goods, perishables, and time-sensitive deliveries could deepen.

An executive from the e-commerce industry said that Indian supply chain systems are built such that most warehouses and fulfillment centres will have the inventory to cater to immediate needs, which is over a week or 10 days.