‘I’ll have to go home’: How India’s LPG crisis is pushing gig workers to the brink

Triggered by the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, an acute LPG shortage is placing a serious strain on India’s gig economy. As restaurants suspend operations or pivot to slower coal and electric stoves, food preparation has stalled – triggering a direct collapse in online order volumes.

Gig workers are among the most severely affected by this crisis. Even when orders are being received, there are significant delays. Consequently, they are unable to meet their daily targets, which reduces their incentives.

Gulshan Kumar, a delivery partner, said: “Due to the LPG cylinder shortage, the number of orders we receive has decreased significantly. If restaurants can't access LPG, they won't be able to take any more orders, and we will have no work.”

Deepak Yadav, another delivery partner, said he may have to take drastic action if the situation persists. “The number of orders and our earnings are falling. If this situation persists, I will have to leave Delhi and go back home,” said Yadav.

On the other hand, their daily expenses have surged. A meal from an eatery that previously cost Rs 50 is now selling for Rs 60–70. Those without access to piped gas are being forced to purchase LPG on the black market.

As Kumar added, “I have an LPG connection, and I used to spend Rs 853 per cylinder. Now, the rate has skyrocketed to Rs 3,000–4,000, and they are very difficult to find. My quota is exhausted, so I’m just using whatever I have left.”

Watch our report on the impact of the LPG crisis on the gig economy and cloud kitchens.

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