Industrial bodies in Surat have announced a coordinated effort to bring back nearly 2.5 lakh migrant workers who left the city in recent months, as easing energy costs and improved supply conditions signal a revival in the textile sector.
The initiative, led by Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association (FOGWA) and Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), includes financial and logistical support for workers, with industry stakeholders prepared to arrange private transport where necessary.
The development follows a cooling in global crude oil prices after a 15-day ceasefire linked to tensions between Iran and the United States. The decline in energy costs has alleviated pressure on Surat’s energy-intensive textile units, enabling manufacturers to plan a return to full-scale operations.
In recent months, elevated crude prices had driven up production costs, compounded by a shortage and rising prices of commercial gas. This led many units to scale down operations, prompting a large-scale exodus of workers due to reduced employment opportunities. With conditions now stabilising, the sector is grappling with an acute labour shortage.
Ashok Jirawala, President of FOGWA, stated that industrialists are committed to ensuring the swift return of workers. He indicated that workers are considered integral to the industry’s functioning and that employers are willing to arrange transportation, including buses, for those unable to afford travel.
A key turning point came after industry bodies engaged with the state government to address the commercial gas shortage. Authorities subsequently assured uninterrupted supply and initiated the distribution of gas cylinders to units facing immediate shortages.
Officials have identified factories requiring between 2,200 and 2,500 cylinders, and distribution has commenced under the supervision of the district administration. Industry representatives noted that the government’s intervention has improved supply coordination and restored confidence among manufacturers.
Stakeholders further indicated that stabilising yarn prices and the withdrawal of production cuts have encouraged factory owners to begin recalling workers. Employers are actively reaching out to their workforce, assuring them of improved conditions and job stability.
Factories, particularly in eastern Surat, are expected to resume full-capacity operations in the coming week, with industry bodies working closely with local authorities to align gas supply and workforce availability.
