LPG Crisis Continues in Major Indian Cities
India is facing an ongoing LPG shortage that has persisted for four consecutive days, causing significant disruptions in several major cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Restaurant operators have reported severe supply issues, prompting many eateries to alter or completely remove popular items from their menus due to the lack of commercial LPG cylinders.
The situation escalated when the US-Israel conflict with Iran disrupted gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for India’s LPG imports. Approximately 85-90% of India’s LPG is sourced from West Asian countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and the recent geopolitical tensions have severely affected this supply chain.
Background of the LPG Supply Crisis
LPG is essential for both household cooking and commercial catering, making the current shortage a pivotal issue for thousands of restaurants and millions of households. According to industry sources, India’s annual LPG consumption is around 31.3 million tonnes, with 87% of this allocated for domestic use. With household needs prioritized, many commercial establishments are struggling to procure adequate LPG supplies.
Government Initiatives and Responses
In response to the LPG crisis, the Union government has enacted several measures aimed at mitigating the impact on essential services. The Ministry of Home Affairs has established a 24×7 control room, coordinating with relevant governmental agencies.
“We have invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritize LPG supply for essential services and households,” said a government official, emphasizing the urgency of the issue. Refineries have been instructed to increase LPG production, and output has reportedly risen by 25% since March 8, 2026.
Impact on the Hospitality Sector
As the crisis unfolds, many restaurants are reducing menu options or temporarily closing due to insufficient LPG supplies. In Mumbai, Sadguru Cafe has visibly expressed its concerns by posting notices about the supply situation. “We currently have no option but to limit our offerings or close till the situation improves,” said an employee.
In Kolkata, the Bengali restaurant chain Bhooter Raja Dilo Bor has shut down its operations in several outlets due to dwindling gas supplies, while other establishments are warning customers of impending shortages. Catering companies have also ceased taking new orders citing the uncertainty in LPG availability.
“If the situation continues, we may have to stop all operations,” a representative from a local catering firm stated, underscoring the scale of the impact on local businesses.
Public Disruptions and Complications
The ongoing shortages are also affecting various essential services, including train catering. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is evaluating the suspension of cooked meal services due to the LPG crisis and stated that refunds will be considered for passengers with pre-booked meals.
Meanwhile, the Assam Police has issued warnings against spreading unverified rumors concerning LPG shortages, emphasizing the importance of accurate information. Citizens are advised to rely exclusively on verified sources for updates.
Supply Chain Issues and Market Reactions
The disruptions have rippled through the market, causing a significant spike in prices for gas and alternative cooking solutions. Reports indicate that there has been a notable increase in the sales of induction stoves as families look to secure cooking alternatives. “We are witnessing heightened interest in electric cooktops as families seek reliable options amid gas shortages,” a local appliance seller mentioned.
Additionally, around 20,000 autorickshaws in Chennai have come to a halt due to the shortage of Auto LPG, further complicating the transportation scenario in the city. Trade unions have underscored the severity of the situation, although some bunk owners have claimed that the crisis may not be as dire as reported.
Legislative Actions and Community Responses
The ongoing crisis has drawn political attention, with members of Congress planning to protest in Parliament regarding the disruptions. They are pressing for answers and solutions to restore regular LPG supply and ensure that service sectors are not adversely affected.
In Uttarakhand, the government has implemented measures to ensure that hospitals and educational institutions receive LPG on a priority basis. This step signals the administration’s commitment to safeguarding essential services during the ongoing crisis.
Future Prospects and Ongoing Challenges
Despite these efforts, the challenges remain significant. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry reported that two LNG cargoes are currently en route to India, a hopeful sign for bolstering supplies. “We have secured additional crude oil cargoes from various sources to mitigate any further disruptions,” stated Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma.
However, data shows that India’s reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for LPG imports needs urgent reassessment. “Over 85% of imports rely on this critical route, and the lack of strategic reserves has led to vulnerabilities in times of crisis,” an industry expert said.
To illustrate, unlike petrol and diesel, which possess reserves sufficient for approximately two months’ consumption, India’s LPG system is structured for continuous supply without significant buffer stock. This structural deficiency is now becoming glaringly evident.
Community Adjustments and Repercussions
As families adapt to the ongoing shortages, some educational institutions are rescheduling or shifting to online classes, anticipatory of continued disruptions. Chennai’s Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute has temporarily suspended in-person classes, emphasizing online instruction until March 25.
Simultaneously, numerous areas across India are re-evaluating cooking solutions, with many kitchens shifting towards simpler, less gas-intensive meals. Institutions that provide mid-day meals to students are also bracing for potential interruptions should gas supplies not stabilize.
Conclusion and Calls for Action
As tensions in West Asia continue to impact LPG supplies, Indian officials are encouraged to consider long-term adjustments to their import and storage strategies. The current crisis has underscored the necessity for short-term supply chains and long-term reserves to protect against future geopolitical disruptions.
Industry voices call for a strategic overhaul, emphasizing that without significant investments in storage and diversified import routes, such vulnerabilities will continue to affect daily life in India.