Ravi Arora
A video has been going viral on social media in which, during a roadshow of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a युवक in the crowd is heard shouting, “There is no gas available, sir, what should we do?” In the same clip, the Prime Minister appears momentarily uneasy and gestures to calm him down. The video is said to be from Rourkela, Odisha. In the age of artificial intelligence, I cannot verify the authenticity of the video, but one thing can certainly be said—the concern raised by that युवक reflects the sentiments of millions across the country.
There is a growing crisis of domestic cooking gas, yet it appears that neither the government nor the mainstream media is giving it the attention it deserves. While political machinery and media remain occupied with elections, the common citizen seems increasingly helpless.
On a personal note, renovation work at my home has been ongoing for the past three months, progressing at a painfully slow pace. When questioned, the contractor simply says, “What can I do, sir? There is a severe shortage of labor.” According to him, a gas cylinder now costs nearly ₹4,000, making it unaffordable for workers. With such high costs, laborers are unable to sustain themselves in cities and are returning to their villages.
But what awaits them there? Even if they manage to arrange firewood or coal, what will they cook? Employment opportunities in rural areas remain scarce. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed a similar situation where millions were left stranded and jobless. While the current situation has not yet reached that level of crisis, global uncertainties make it impossible to guarantee that conditions will improve soon.
The shortage of cooking gas has shaken the urban structure of India, but the worst hit are migrant workers—the backbone of city economies. Estimates suggest that 100 to 140 million migrant workers live in urban areas, contributing significantly to construction, factories, transport, domestic work, and small industries. Despite their crucial role, their average monthly income ranges between ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, most of which is spent on basic needs, leaving little to no savings.
With a sudden surge in gas prices, their fragile financial balance collapses. In contrast, rural areas still offer alternatives like firewood and coal, forcing many workers to return home. However, this is not just a labor issue—it is a warning sign for the entire urban economy. A continuous outflow of migrant workers will directly impact production, inflation, and employment, slowing down city life and eventually affecting the national economy.
What is most concerning is the lack of concrete action. There were expectations that the government would control rising prices, curb black marketing, provide subsidies to the poor, and explore alternative fuel options for urban populations. Instead, political focus seems to remain on elections.
This is not merely a gas shortage—it is a signal of a deeper socio-economic imbalance. If not addressed in time, it could escalate into a crisis similar to the pandemic, with severe humanitarian and economic consequences. One cannot forget how such disruptions once pushed the GDP into negative territory.
Sir, it is time to act. Because the reality is—there is no gas available.