Haryana's government has announced a 35% increase in minimum wages for unskilled workers, raising their pay to $165 per month from $120, effective April 1. This decision follows significant unrest among laborers in Manesar, a key industrial hub located about 30 miles (48.28 km) south of New Delhi, where protests erupted over rising living costs exacerbated by the U.S.-Israeli conflict impacting gas supplies. The auto sector, which includes major manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra, is already grappling with increased input costs and supply chain disruptions. The wage hike is expected to further strain these companies as they face rising raw material prices and the need to adjust vehicle prices accordingly. Additionally, India is experiencing a severe gas crisis, leading to reduced supplies for industries to prioritize household needs. Many migrant workers, who form a significant part of the labor force in industrial areas, are returning to their villages due to soaring food prices and erratic gas supply. The central government insists there is no cooking gas shortage, but the situation remains precarious for both factories and low-income workers.