LPG Shortage Triggers Reverse Migration, Echoing Pandemic-Era Disruption Across India

Five years after the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of migrant workers to return to their native villages, a fresh crisis is once again driving a similar exodus. This time, the trigger is a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted global energy supply chains and sharply increased fuel costs.

Across several Indian cities, migrant workers—particularly those employed in restaurants, small eateries and informal sectors—are facing mounting challenges as cooking gas becomes both scarce and prohibitively expensive. The resulting strain on livelihoods and daily survival is pushing many to abandon urban centres and return home.

Migrants Forced to Leave Amid Fuel Crisis

In Bihar, large numbers of workers have begun departing from hubs such as Danapur Railway Station, citing an acute shortage of LPG. Workers report delayed cylinder deliveries, reduced gas quantities and soaring prices, making both cooking and sustenance increasingly difficult.

“There is no gas, no work, and no way to cook. Food outside is too expensive,” said one migrant worker, reflecting the desperation felt by many. Others highlighted that even when employment is available, survival without affordable cooking fuel has become nearly impossible.

Impact Spreads Across Major Cities

The crisis is not confined to one region. In Mumbai, a growing number of migrants are leaving as they struggle with rising food costs and limited access to LPG. Surveys conducted among passengers on major long-distance trains—such as the Kamayani Express, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Rajgir Express and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus–Howrah Mail—indicate a clear trend of reverse migration. Of 130 migrants interviewed, nearly half cited LPG shortages as the primary reason for returning home.

In Surat, the impact has been particularly severe, with reports suggesting that over 150,000 labourers have left the city in the past month alone. Workers from industrial hubs and construction sectors say that even where jobs exist, the cost of living—driven by fuel scarcity—has become unsustainable.

Sharp Surge in LPG Prices

The crisis has been exacerbated by an unprecedented spike in LPG prices. Small 5-kg cylinders, once priced around ₹500–₹550, are now reportedly selling for ₹1,100 to ₹2,000. Standard 14.2-kg cylinders, previously available for ₹900–₹1,200, have surged to as high as ₹3,200–₹4,000 in some areas.

Reports of black-market sales have further deepened concerns, with LPG allegedly being sold at rates nearing ₹500 per kilogram—well beyond the reach of daily wage earners. In the absence of affordable fuel, many workers have resorted to using firewood for cooking, further highlighting the severity of the crisis.

Livelihoods Under Threat

The shortage has had a cascading impact on employment. Restaurants and food establishments, heavily dependent on LPG, are scaling down operations or temporarily shutting down. Industry estimates suggest potential losses of up to ₹79,000 crore as supply disruptions continue.

For workers like Prashanth Sahu, who relocated to Hyderabad after the pandemic, the situation is increasingly uncertain. “We may lose our jobs if the situation worsens. Salaries are already delayed, and I am considering returning to farming,” he said, expressing concern over his children’s education and future.

Conflict in West Asia Disrupts Supply Chains

India imports nearly 60 per cent of its LPG, with a significant portion sourced from West Asia. The ongoing conflict in the region—now in its fifth week—has disrupted supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for energy shipments.

A recent survey indicates that more than 40 per cent of households experienced delays in cylinder deliveries over the past week, underscoring the widespread nature of the disruption.

Government Response and Measures

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that it is taking multiple steps to stabilise the situation. These include prioritising LPG supply for households, hospitals and educational institutions, ramping up refinery output and adjusting booking intervals.

Authorities have also urged citizens to avoid panic buying and rely on official channels for information. State governments have been directed to monitor distribution, curb hoarding and prevent black marketing.

Additionally, the government is promoting alternative energy options such as piped natural gas (PNG), kerosene and electric cooking solutions to ease pressure on LPG demand.

A Growing Human and Economic Challenge

What began as a supply disruption has rapidly evolved into a broader socio-economic crisis. With rising costs, shrinking job opportunities and uncertainty over essential fuel availability, migrant workers are once again being pushed to the margins.

As India grapples with the fallout of global geopolitical tensions, the unfolding situation raises concerns of a prolonged disruption—one that could mirror the scale and human impact of the pandemic-era migration crisis.