India, April 28 -- Amid a continuing energy crisis, daily wage workers in parts of Delhi say they are struggling to afford cooking fuel, with many turning to firewood and cow dung cakes to get through the month.

At a busy labour junction in Tughlakabad Extension, in south-east Delhi, workers gather each day in the scorching heat, hoping to find work. But many say jobs have dried up, even as the cost of living continues to rise.

Jameel, a worker from Auraiya district in Uttar Pradesh, said the situation had worsened sharply in recent weeks. He lives in Street No. 26 in Tughlakabad Extension. "Sir, what can I say about the situation? Just today a worker died. His name was Raja. He was hungry and had no work. He fell ill and died," he said...