Thiruvananthapuram: A shortage of cooking gas cylinders has begun to disrupt daily business in Kerala, with several small eateries and some commercial establishments temporarily shutting down.
The situation has triggered an unexpected movement of migrant workers, especially those from Assam and West Bengal, who form a major part of the workforce in many restaurants across the state. With workplaces closed, many have started leaving for their home states.
The shortage is being linked to heightened war tensions in the West Asian region, which has affected the availability of cooking gas in India. Similar closures of small eateries have been reported in multiple states.
Restaurant and business owners in Kerala have expressed concern that the workers may not return soon. With the Kerala Assembly election expected by the end of next month, many workers are likely to come back only after the polls.
Pinai Peter from a migrant workers’ centre said workers from Assam and West Bengal alone account for about 50% of Kerala’s migrant workforce. He added that many left earlier than usual due to closures, and some also departed early to celebrate Ramadan, with steps being taken to manage the situation until they return.
