Gas crisis affecting Indian migrant workers

India faces a severe energy crisis exacerbated by the conflict in Iran, leading to significant shortages of cooking gas. Thousands of migrant workers are returning to their home villages due to the inability to access essential resources like cooking fuel. The situation has resulted in widespread anger and frustration among those affected, particularly in urban areas like Delhi. Many workers report going days without proper meals, relying on small roadside eateries that have increased prices due to the gas shortage. The inability to find liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders has forced workers to make difficult choices, including leaving their jobs and returning to rural areas where they can access subsidized gas. The crisis is not confined to Delhi; reports of similar shortages are emerging from various states across India. Economists highlight that the situation reveals deeper structural issues, particularly affecting marginalized migrant workers who lack access to resources and support in urban environments. Despite the growing crisis, the government denies any national shortage of gas, attributing the situation to panic spread by opposition parties. This denial raises concerns about the government's responsiveness to the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly those who are most affected by the crisis.