Migrant Workers Flee Delhi as Food and Fuel Crisis Deepens Amid Iran War
‘I’ve not had proper food for days’: migrant workers leave India’s cities as Iran war fuel crisis deepens
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Migrant workers in Delhi, including families like Raju Prasad's, are returning to their villages in Uttar Pradesh due to skyrocketing food prices and a severe fuel crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Many are unable to afford basic necessities, leading to a reverse migration from urban centers back to rural areas.
- 01Migrant workers are leaving Delhi due to rising food prices and fuel shortages.
- 02Families like Raju Prasad's are returning to their villages for survival.
- 03The cost of gas cylinders has surged dramatically, making cooking unaffordable.
- 04Small eateries are closing or reducing their menus due to supply issues.
- 05Students and low-income families are particularly affected by the crisis.
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As the conflict in the Middle East drives up global fuel prices, migrant workers in Delhi are facing a dire situation characterized by soaring food costs and a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Families like Raju Prasad's, who moved to Delhi from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, are now abandoning their hopes for a better future in the city. Prasad, along with his wife and four children, is returning home after struggling to find food and fuel for weeks. With the price of gas cylinders skyrocketing from ₹900 to ₹4,500 on the black market, many are unable to afford basic cooking supplies. This crisis is not only affecting families but also small businesses, with restaurant owners like Anil in Nehru Place reporting unprecedented challenges. The situation is further complicated for students, who often rely on inexpensive canteens and eateries, now facing closures and rising prices. Authorities, including Praveen Shankar Kapoor, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi, acknowledge the acute challenges faced by low-income groups but express hope for a resolution. As the crisis deepens, the reverse migration from urban centers to rural areas continues, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.
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The crisis means that many families are unable to afford food, leading to health issues and potential dropouts from education for students reliant on affordable meals.
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