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Migrant workers in Delhi struggle as LPG cylinders vanish
For three weeks, Shakuntala Devi and Shakiba Bibi have trudged from shop to shop in India's capital, only to return home without a single cooking gas cylinder. The two neighbors, who work as domestic helpers in Delhi's middle-class neighborhoods, say their families may soon have no choice but to abandon the city and return to their villages in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Global shipping disruptions hit India's LPG supplies
The shortage stems from the war in the Middle East, which has disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz-a critical route for India's LPG imports. While Iran has begun allowing Indian vessels to pass, uncertainty lingers, with several ships still waiting to navigate the narrow waterway.
The Indian government insists there is no shortage, citing increased domestic production and new supply deals with the U.S., Russia, and Australia. Officials have also urged citizens to avoid "panic ordering" of cylinders. Yet, migrant workers, who often rely on informal networks to purchase gas, report growing desperation.
Cities see reverse migration as workers flee gas crisis
Nearly 30 migrant workers interviewed by the BBC in Delhi said they would return to their villages if the situation did not improve. Visuals from railway stations and bus terminals in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad suggest similar trends, with workers leaving en masse. Some industries, including textiles, jewelry, and ceramics, have already seen shutdowns, pushing laborers back to rural areas.
"There was no cooking gas available. Even local restaurants were shut. I was struggling to eat two meals a day, so I had to return home."
Ashok Yadav, former catering worker in Delhi
Government prioritizes households, leaving businesses in limbo
Last month, authorities directed refineries to prioritize household gas distribution over commercial use. The move forced many small restaurants to scale back menus or close temporarily, as they could not afford the higher prices of commercial cylinders. Some eateries and households have turned to firewood, kerosene, and coal-cheaper but far more polluting alternatives.
Sushila Devi, who runs a tea stall in Delhi, says she has been using firewood for nearly a month. "The price is rising fast, and it's not sustainable. If the gas shortage continues, I'll have to go back to my village," she says. Her neighbor, Pushpa Devi, adds that at least in rural areas, families can share meals with relatives.
Informal sector workers hit hardest by bureaucratic hurdles
For India's migrant workers, accessing LPG cylinders was already difficult. Legal purchases require identity and address documents, which many informal workers lack. Frequent relocations and uncooperative landlords make it nearly impossible to update paperwork, says Rajesh Kumar, a trade unionist in Delhi.
Many workers depend on unregulated centers selling smaller, refillable cylinders. But since the war began, these outlets have either shut down or hiked prices-charging up to 3,500 rupees ($42) for a standard cylinder, nearly four times the usual rate. "Most migrants can't afford this," Kumar says.
Experts warn of economic fallout if migration continues
While experts describe the current situation as "manageable," they caution that prolonged reverse migration could cripple labor-intensive sectors like construction, textiles, and manufacturing. Arvind Goel, co-chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry's industrial relations committee, warns of "significant impact" on micro, small, and medium enterprises.
India's last census in 2011 counted 54 million inter-state migrants, but analysts believe the number has since surged. The delayed 2021 census, which began last week, may provide updated figures. For now, workers like Ramnaresh Yadav-who sold his autorickshaw and returned to Bihar-are making tough choices. "If things don't improve, I may have to enroll my children in the village school," he says.
Hope and uncertainty linger
Some, like Brij Kumar, a cart-puller who recently left Delhi for his village in Jharkhand, remain optimistic. "I expect things to get better once the conflict ends," he says. "But until then, life will be stressful, especially for people like us."
