‘Ghar Wapsi’: Are Indian metro cities staring at another COVID-like economic shock? Migrant workers start returning home as Iran war sparks LPG crisis fear | EXCLUSIVE

LPG crisis: It was on February 28, 2026, when a geopolitical explosion erupted in the Middle East after the United States and Israel jointly launched airstrikes on Iran following weeks of military buildup and threats from US President Donald Trump.

The attack not only shook the world but also disrupted the global energy market lifeline, increasing pressure on fuel-importing countries.

Following the airstrikes, Iran blocked Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route through which one fifth of the world’s oil and gas moves, that has since triggered an energy crisis, mostly impacting migrant workers across Indian cities.

Energy Crisis: ‘Ghar Wapsi’ moment for migrant workers?

The Middle East conflict-triggered global energy supply chain disruption has started sparking fears among migrant workers in the Indian metro cities. Meanwhile, the Indian government has rolled out a new rule that could change how millions of households cook across the country.

The Centre has tightened rules on domestic cooking gas use in India. Households that have both LPG cylinders and PNG (piped natural gas) connections will now have to choose one.

In most cases, if PNG is active, the LPG cylinder connection must be surrendered.

A household cannot keep both LPG and PNG connections at the same time. If PNG is installed and in use, the LPG cylinder connection must be surrendered. LPG refills may be stopped for households already using PNG.

Oil companies are directed not to issue LPG connections in such cases.

‘Paying more for small gas cylinder refill’

ET NOW has spoken to a couple of migrant workers residing in Delhi-NCR.

Madan Singh (name changed), who works as a cleaner in a Noida corporate office, said, “We don’t have an LPG cylinder. We are a family of four members and we use a 5-kg small cylinder for cooking. The energy crisis has also triggered a surge in refill costs. We are now planning to move back to our village as the concerns loom large.”

Suma (name changed), a housemaid who resides in South Delhi, told ET NOW, “I have already started looking up for household chores back in my hometown in West Bengal. My landlord has hiked house rent amid rising inflation pressure. So, I am heading back next month.”

Sumit Sharma (name changed), who works in a Gurugram restaurant as a waiter, said, “The rising gas prices, fuel rates have shadowed all my expectations to purchase a bike. Although, my earnings remain the same but expenditure has increased.”

What Industry Experts said

Subhash Chandra Garg, Former Finance Secretary of India

“The government must commission a quick survey of impact on small businesses, especially in food and restaurant sector, and also the labour working therein to assess impact of cutting down and increasing prices of LPG for commercial sector. Anecdotally, there is material adverse impact on both small businesses and workers in loss of jobs and reduction of pay forcing some of them to leave cities and their employment. Loss of job and income compound their economic misery,” said Subhash Chandra Garg, former Finance Secretary of India.

Rajinder Kumar, Managing Partner, Kumar Law Associates and former Co- Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Legal Affairs and Regulatory Reforms, in his personal capacity, said, "Apprehensions are being expressed by few that due to geo-political scenario causing LPG shortage , some migrant workers are contemplating shifting from metros to their home town. As all out efforts are being made by all concerned to assess the impact and restore normalcy including exercise of restraint and judicious use of fuel by the people, there is no need to act in haste by leaving daily jobs as this temporary phenomenon may not last long."

Petroleum minister does not rule out fuel price hike

Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday assured that there is no fuel supply issue and said the government has ramped up LPG production from 35,000-36,000 tonnes/day to 54,000 tonnes amid West Asia conflict.

Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit, Puri said there is no LPG supply issue and the country has 69 days of crude oil, LNG stock and 45 days of LPG stock.

“LPG production has been ramped up from 35,000-36,000 tonnes/day to 54,000 tonnes amid West Asia conflict,” he said.

The Oil Minister said PM Narendra Modi’s austerity appeal should be taken as a wake up call and urged to start thinking of “measures” to lessen fiscal strain from West Asia conflict.

“PM Narendra Modi’s austerity appeal is a wake up call to start thinking of measures to lessen fiscal strain from West Asia conflict,” Puri said at the summit.

PM Modi on Sunday called for judicious use of fuel, postponement of gold purchases and foreign travel, among other measures, to strengthen the economy.

‘Save fuel, WFH, online classes, no gold’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, May 10, 2026, urged citizens to avoid buying gold jewellery for one year to help conserve foreign exchange reserves amid rising economic pressures and global uncertainties.

Speaking at a rally in Hyderabad, PM Modi said, "there was a time when, during a crisis or war, people would donate gold for the country. Today, there is no need for donations. But for the nation, we must decide that for one year, we will not buy gold jewellery at any function or event. We will not buy gold. To save foreign currency, our patriotism is being challenged. We must accept this challenge and help save foreign exchange."

Addressing a rally organised by the Telangana BJP in Hyderabad, he suggested reducing petrol and diesel consumption, using metro rail services in cities, carpooling, increased use of electric vehicles (EVs), utilising railway services for parcel movement, and working from home to conserve foreign exchange amid the crisis in West Asia.

Stressing the need to conserve foreign exchange amid the crisis, Modi called for postponing gold purchases and foreign travel for one year.

The Prime Minister also urged citizens to cut down on fuel consumption, prefer public transport and avoid unnecessary foreign travel amid the ongoing economic and energy challenges. Stressing the need to conserve foreign exchange, he also called for greater use of work from home, video conferencing and carpooling practices.

He said, "use petrol and diesel judiciously and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. In cities with metro connectivity, people should prefer public transport. If travelling by car is unavoidable, carpooling should be encouraged instead of driving alone."

"There is also a need to revive practices such as work from home, video conferencing and online meetings. Amid the current crisis, conserving foreign exchange must remain a priority," PM Modi said, adding, "the trend of destination weddings and foreign vacations among the middle class has also been rising. During this period, overseas travel should be avoided or postponed for at least a year."

On the impact of West Asia conflict, he said, "when the supply chain continues to be in crisis, no matter what measures we take, the difficulties only increase. Therefore, now we must fight unitedly, keeping the country and Mother India first. We must remember that patriotism is not just about dying for the country. Living for the country and fulfilling our duties to the country is also patriotism."