Surat

The impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict has begun to show in Surat, Gujarat, where a large number of migrant workers have gathered at Udhna Railway Station, preparing to return to their native places due to an acute shortage of LPG.

Several workers said they were forced to leave despite having jobs, as the lack of cooking gas has made daily survival difficult. They claimed that LPG prices have surged to around Rs 500 per kilogram, making it unaffordable and leaving many without proper meals for days.

A worker named Sachin said they had not received gas for several days and that factories were also shutting down, leaving them with no income. He added that many workers were heading back to their villages and would return only after the situation improves.

Another worker, Seema Devi, said she had been trying to procure gas for nearly two weeks without success. With no money and no cooking fuel, she decided to return to her village with her daughter, while other family members stayed back.

Workers also said they were unable to use alternative cooking methods, as landlords had prohibited the use of firewood inside rented rooms. Many expressed hope of returning once gas supplies normalise, but their sudden departure has created a labour shortage for Surat’s textile industry.

Meanwhile, the government is engaging with global partners to ensure energy security and the safety of Indian nationals in the Gulf region. A relief package of Rs 497 crore has also been announced to support exporters affected by disruptions caused by the conflict.

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Officials said the situation remains challenging globally, but efforts are underway to stabilise supplies. Notably, two Indian LPG carriers recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely and reached India, bringing some relief amid the crisis.