LPG Crisis Sparks Mass Exodus of Textile Workers from Surat, Industry Faces Severe Labour Crunch

Surat | Gujarat —In a development that could have far-reaching consequences for India’s largest textile hub, nearly 3 lakh artisans have already left Surat, as a deepening LPG crisis, rising costs, and shrinking work opportunities push migrant workers back to their native places.

The mass migration marks one of the most serious labour disruptions in recent years, with industry estimates suggesting that nearly 15% of Surat’s 15 lakh-strong textile workforce has already exited the city. Alarmingly, another 15% are reportedly preparing to leave if the situation fails to improve, raising fears of an unprecedented manpower shortage.

The exodus is being driven largely by an acute shortage of cooking gas in worker-dominated areas such as Pandesara, Udhana, Sachin and Bamroli. With LPG cylinders either unavailable or being sold at inflated prices in the black market, daily survival has become increasingly difficult for artisans dependent on small-scale refill systems.

Kamal Vijay Tulsiyan, president of Pandesara Industrial Estate, highlighted the gravity of the situation. “There is an acute shortage of LPG in the workers’ colonies. Since most workers do not have direct LPG connections, they rely on small refills from local vendors. Due to restrictions on commercial LPG, this supply chain has collapsed, leaving workers with no option but to return home,” he said.

He further added, “Every year, about 10–15% of workers migrate between March and May. But this time, the LPG shortage has pushed migration levels to nearly 25%, which is alarming.”

The impact is already being felt across textile units, many of which are struggling to maintain operations due to the shrinking workforce. Industrial associations warn that the situation could worsen if immediate corrective measures are not taken.

Jitu Vakharia, president of the South Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA), confirmed that the crisis is escalating rapidly. “About 10% of workers have already left due to the LPG shortage. If this continues, the textile industry will face its worst-ever crisis. We have already decided to shut mills for two days a week as raw material prices have risen by nearly 30%,” he said.

In a bid to retain workers, several industrial estates and societies have stepped in with temporary relief measures. Areas such as Sachin Industrial Cooperative Society and Pandesara Industrial Estate have started providing subsidised or even free meals to workers. While some units offer food twice a day free of cost, others charge a nominal ₹50 per meal.

Despite these efforts, industry insiders admit that food support alone cannot offset the rising cost of living and uncertainty of work. The lack of basic necessities like cooking gas is proving to be a decisive factor in workers’ decision to leave.