A worker weaves sarees and dress material on power looms at a workshop in Varanasi on February 1, 2026. (Photo by Niharika KULKARNI / AFP)
India is currently facing a significant cooking gas crisis that has forced many textile workers to leave their jobs and return to their home villages. The shortage of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) has created severe challenges for daily living, as it directly impacts cooking and basic sustenance for millions of people.
The crisis has been linked to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran, a key player in the global energy market, which has strained supplies and escalated prices. This shortage has amplified existing economic difficulties for workers in the textile industry, a backbone of India’s manufacturing and export sector.
Textile workers, many of whom live in densely populated urban areas relying heavily on LPG for cooking, have found themselves without access to this essential fuel for days. The lack of cooking gas has made it difficult for them to prepare meals, maintain hygiene, and carry out daily chores, leading to increased hardship and health risks.
As conditions worsen, a considerable number of these workers have chosen to abandon their jobs and return to their rural hometowns where alternative sources of fuel and support networks exist. This exodus is causing labor shortages in textile factories, potentially disrupting production schedules and impacting the economy.
Experts warn that the crisis could have long-term consequences if not addressed promptly. The Indian government has been urged to take swift action to stabilize gas supplies, implement emergency measures, and support affected workers. Negotiations with international partners and expansion of domestic LPG production are among the proposed solutions.
The situation has also highlighted deeper structural issues including the dependency on imported energy sources, limited social safety nets for migrants, and inadequate infrastructure for energy distribution. Advocacy groups are calling for reforms that improve resilience against such shocks, including diversification of energy sources and better labor protections.
Meanwhile, affected families face the daunting reality of balancing survival with economic pressures. Many workers report increased debt, food insecurity, and uncertainty about their future employment prospects. Community organizations and local governments have stepped in to provide temporary relief, but a sustainable resolution remains urgent.
The current LPG shortage exemplifies how geopolitical conflicts can have ripple effects far beyond battle zones, impacting everyday lives and economies worldwide. India’s cooking gas crisis underscores the need for comprehensive strategies that link energy security with social and economic stability.
As the textile sector grapples with this challenge, the human stories behind the crisis are drawing attention to the vulnerabilities faced by millions of low-income workers. Their resilience and demands for equitable support will likely shape policies moving forward to prevent similar crises.
