Fuel Shortage Forces Labourers to Leave Jobs in Punjab

A growing shortage of LPG cylinders has emerged as a new crisis across Punjab, prompting migrant workers to return to their native villages in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Unlike previous instances driven by elections or pandemics, this migration is being triggered by the inability to access cooking fuel. The scarcity of LPG, linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, has made it increasingly difficult for workers to secure cooking gas. Most migrant labourers, who do not have permanent gas connections in Punjab, had been relying on small cylinders available in the open market. However, these have now become scarce, making daily cooking a major challenge. A large number of these workers are employed in farms, construction sites, small factories, eateries, and as domestic helpers. According to Narendra S. Saggu, president of the Focal Point Association in Jalandhar, many workers have informed employers that while their families back home have regular LPG connections, they are struggling to manage in Punjab due to the shortage. Saggu noted that despite assurances of support, employers have been unable to convince at least 20 percent of their workforce to stay. Workers cite the increasing difficulty in arranging basic meals as a primary reason for leaving their jobs. Some migrant labourers reported that they are not allowed to use firewood at their workplaces or rented accommodations, further complicating their situation. Kuldeep Kumar, who works at a crockery store in Ludhiana, said that small LPG cylinders are no longer available in the market, forcing him to cook using collected wood under trees. He added that many others from his village face similar restrictions on using firewood. Badiish Jindal, president of the World MSME Forum, stated that while seasonal migration during the harvest period is common, the scale of return this year is noticeably higher. He attributed this trend largely to the growing difficulty in managing daily food needs. Ram Bhavan Goswami, president of the Uttar Pradesh Kalyan Parishad in Amritsar, said that out of approximately 3.5 million migrant workers in Punjab, around 40,000 to 50,000 typically return home during this period each year. However, the LPG shortage is expected to push significantly more workers to leave this time. Kamla Dalmia, president of the Focal Point Industries Welfare Association in Amritsar, highlighted that even long-term workers are finding it increasingly difficult to arrange basic meals, making survival a greater priority than employment. The situation has raised serious concerns for Punjab’s agriculture sector. April marks the peak wheat harvesting season, which requires a large workforce. After harvesting, produce arrives in mandis, where tasks such as bagging, weighing, and loading depend heavily on migrant labour. Labour demand is expected to rise further during the paddy season. Experts warn that if the ongoing conflict continues and fuel shortages persist, multiple sectors, especially agriculture, could face severe disruptions. A shortage of workers may not only delay harvesting operations but also significantly increase farming costs.