Chandigarh: A growing shortage of cooking gas in Punjab has forced a large number of migrant workers to leave the state and return to their native places in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, raising serious concerns for the upcoming harvest season.
Unlike previous years, when seasonal migration was largely linked to agricultural cycles or festivals, this time workers say the crisis is driven by the unavailability of LPG cylinders. The situation has worsened amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted fuel supply chains and made cooking gas harder to access.
Most migrant workers in Punjab do not have regular LPG connections and rely on small cylinders available in the open market. However, these cylinders have now become scarce, making it difficult for workers to manage daily meals. Many workers employed in farms, construction sites, small factories, eateries and as domestic helpers are struggling to cook food.
Industrial representatives say the situation is already impacting the workforce. A industrialist said several workers have chosen to leave despite assurances of support. He estimated that nearly 20% of workers in some units have already returned home.
Workers on the ground describe the situation as increasingly unmanageable. Kuldeep Kumar, who works at a crockery store in Ludhiana, said small cylinders are no longer available and he has been forced to cook using collected firewood. Others said they are not allowed to use firewood at their workplaces or accommodations, leaving them with no viable option.
While some industry leaders note that migration during this period is a regular trend, they admit that the numbers are higher this year. Badish Jindal, president of the World MSME Forum, said the inability to arrange basic meals has become a key factor driving workers back.
According to estimates by labour groups, Punjab has around 3.5 million migrant workers, and typically 40,000 to 50,000 return home during this period. However, the current gas shortage is expected to push these numbers significantly higher.
The development has raised alarm bells in the agriculture sector. April marks the peak wheat harvesting period in Punjab, which requires a large workforce for cutting, loading and handling crops in mandis. A shortage of labour could disrupt operations and increase costs for farmers.
Experts warn that if fuel supply issues persist, the impact could extend beyond agriculture to other sectors as well, potentially affecting productivity and economic activity across the state.
