A crisis is looming as the war on Iran by the United States and Israel begins to affect all sections of society in Andhra Pradesh.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the cancellation of cargo flights have brought exports to Gulf countries to a halt, severely impacting producers of bananas, mangoes, coconuts, prawns, and poultry.

West Asian countries are major importers of many products from Andhra Pradesh. However, the U.S. and Israel’s attacks on Iran have disrupted these exports. Nearly two months into the conflict, there is no solution in sight. Although there are claims that the war may be nearing an end, in reality, such an outcome appears increasingly distant, as reflected in the words and actions of Donald Trump.

Agriculture and Farmers

Farmers in Andhra Pradesh have been hit hard, with crops left unharvested in the fields due to the ongoing crisis. They are looking to both the Union and State governments for support, but the authorities appear preoccupied with elections and intense campaigning.

Even during the election campaigns, pressing public issues are being sidelined, while mudslinging has taken centre stage. In Andhra Pradesh, the so-called “double-engine” government is focused on announcing investments that have yet to materialise. Industries are not being established, and unemployment among educated youth continues to rise sharply.

At the grassroots level, farmers are bearing the brunt of a conflict with no end in sight. The cascading effects are driving up prices. On one hand, farmers are suffering heavy losses; on the other, consumers are being squeezed by soaring prices. Meanwhile, governments appear to have turned a blind eye to the situation.

Fuel crisis

Meanwhile, a severe fuel crisis is unfolding. In Kurnool town alone, around 70 petrol filling stations have shut down due to a lack of fuel supply. Petrol bunks jammed with vehicles wait in queue for hours together for the stock to come. The CPI(M) has demanded that the government take full responsibility for the diesel and petrol crisis and take immediate steps to resolve it. In this regard, CPI(M) State Secretary V Srinivasa Rao issued a statement on Sunday.

“All petrol stations in the state have run dry, and vehicular movement has come to a standstill. People are abandoning their work and standing in queues for hours in search of fuel. Public life has come to a halt. The lack of foresight in government policies, coupled with negligence and incompetent administration, is the root cause of this dire situation.The CPI(M) demands that the government immediately focus on this issue and take urgent measures to restore fuel supplies on a war footing. We warn that if this does not happen, the distressed public will be compelled to resort to protests,” stated V. Srinivasa Rao.  LPG, particularly commercial gas, has become scarce, forcing many food vendors to shut their businesses. Even star hotels have reverted to using firewood for cooking. This situation is severely affecting migrant workers, impacting both their livelihoods and access to food.

Panic buying of petrol and diesel is widespread, and roadside vendors are closing, leaving many without income. Black marketeers are hoarding fuel and LPG, worsening the shortage. Experts warn that India’s pro-American foreign policy has exacerbated the impact of the crisis.

Working class

War has brought many problems. Production has been forcibly slowed due to the halt in exports. Rising prices are hitting workers hard. Almost all sections of society are in distress, and this distress is increasingly manifesting as anger.

At the Pioneer Aluminum factory in Makavarpupalem, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, around 700 workers went on strike for four days beginning on 21 April, demanding a wage increase, an eight-hour working day, and overtime pay for any work beyond eight hours. Meanwhile, members of the ruling party allegedly attempted to disrupt the strike by creating divisions among the workers, but they remained united and firm in their demands. The district president, secretary, and other office-bearers of CITU who visited the site to support the striking workers were arrested on the pretext of maintaining law and order. However, the police action did not deter the workers. In view of the rising tension, officials held discussions with the workers, and an agreement was eventually reached. The workers then withdrew the strike and resumed work at the factory on the evening of 25 April.

Anganwadi

Anganwadi workers across the state held demonstrations in front of their respective collectorates on Thursday (23-04-2026) under the auspices of CITU, demanding a wage hike and summer holidays for ICDS centres. Memorandums were submitted to MLAs, MPs, and ICDS project in-charges across the state. Around 50,000 Anganwadi workers and 48,000 helpers participated in the demonstrations, with the total turnout for the rallies reaching nearly one lakh.

Municipal workers

Responding to the call of the AP Municipal Employees and Workers (CITU), municipal workers across the state observed a one-day strike on 21-04-2026. They demanded the release of March salaries, which had not been paid even after April 20, as well as wages for the previous strike period. In several municipalities, workers had not received their salaries for two to three months. Despite the scorching heat, they staged rallies in front of their respective municipal offices. Around 20,000 workers, including contract employees, participated in the strike.

Teachers on struggle path

Under the aegis of FAAPTO, government teachers organised a three-day relay hunger protest at Dharna Chowk, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, beginning on Saturday, 25-04-2026.

Leaders participating in the FAAPTO hunger strike warned that they would intensify their agitation if the government failed to address their grievances. The hunger strike, undertaken under the aegis of FAAPTO, entered its second day on Sunday, with key demands including the immediate constitution of the 12th Pay Revision Commission (PRC) for government employees and teachers, and the release of Interim Relief (IR).

Teachers from various districts of the state took part in the strike. Speaking on the occasion, the FAAPTO Chairman stated that teachers and employees do not appear to be a priority for the government. He pointed out that although 33 months have passed since the 12th PRC became due, a committee to oversee it has yet to be constituted.

They further noted that four instalments of Dearness Allowance (DA), announced by the Central Government, remain pending and have not been disbursed. They also criticised officials for acting arbitrarily in the implementation of Government Orders (GOs) 72 and 73, issued as part of the Unified Service Rules, despite there being no legal objections or court impediments.

The leaders asserted that FAAPTO would continue the agitation until the issues are resolved. In addition, they demanded that compassionate appointments be provided to the dependents of employees and teachers working in local bodies.

During the three-day protest, teachers from different districts will participate on a rotational basis, ensuring representation from all districts.

Agricultural workers and VB-RAMJI

Responding to the call of the Andhra Pradesh Agricultural Workers’ Union (AIAWU), workers under the VB-G RAM G (MNREGA) scheme, along with beneficiaries, staged dharnas demanding basic facilities at worksites. In view of the unusually high daytime temperatures, the workers demanded the provision of shade or shelters, safe drinking water, meals through Anna Canteens, and ambulance facilities to handle any emergencies at the worksites.

The AIAWU organised rallies and dharnas across the state on Monday, 20-04-2026, with thousands of workers participating. They raised demands for immediate provision of summer facilities and the payment of pending wages amounting to Rs 1,200 crore. The union also pointed out that the lack of internet connectivity at worksites has made the face-recognition attendance system a major problem and demanded its immediate withdrawal. D Ramadevi, a Central Committee member of Communist Party of India (Marxist), participated in the dharna at the Panchayat Raj Secretary office in Tadepalli (Amaravati) and expressed solidarity with the agitating workers..

Artisans

The weavers and handloom workers in Andhra Pradesh staged a continuous 48-hour sit-in dharna at Mangalagiri, just a stone’s throw from the state capital, Amaravati. Mangalagiri is well known for its skilled handloom industry, and its richly designed sarees enjoy significant demand.

However, rising input costs and the availability of cheaper mill-made cloth have made it increasingly difficult for handloom workers to market their products. As a result, many workers are struggling to provide proper education for their children and to meet their families’ basic needs.

The government must step in by purchasing handloom textiles in bulk from cooperative societies and ensuring prompt payment to the weavers. Despite boasting a budget of Rs 3.3 lakh crore, the government has allocated only 0.03% to this sector. V. Srinivasa Rao visited the ongoing dharna and expressed solidarity on behalf of the CPI(M).

Small traders…Urea dealers

The conflict between fertilizer companies and dealers has intensified significantly. For nearly a decade, dealers have protested the conduct of these companies and repeatedly submitted petitions to both the central and state governments, seeking redress for their grievances. As their appeals have gone unheeded, they have now turned to agitation. With the Kharif season fast approaching, they have called for a nationwide one-day strike on the 27th of this month. They have also warned that if there is no response to this action, they will proceed with an indefinite strike. Trade representatives noted that this is the first instance in the country where private dealers have adopted such a confrontational approach.

It is evident that due to the war and crisis thereupon, the distress is brewing and may reflect in anger….