Rising tensions in West Asia have begun to affect the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in several Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata. The disruption has mainly impacted the availability of commercial LPG cylinders used by hotels, restaurants and small food businesses.
Many restaurant owners and hotel operators have reported delays in receiving LPG cylinders, which are essential for daily cooking operations. Industry representatives say that if the supply situation continues for long, it could affect the functioning of eateries and food outlets in major cities.
The disruption is linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, a region that plays a key role in global energy supply. Since India imports a significant portion of its LPG from Gulf countries, any instability in the region can affect domestic availability and supply chains.
To manage the situation, the central government has stepped in with several measures aimed at stabilising LPG supplies. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed oil refineries to increase LPG production for domestic use. The additional production is expected to help improve supply in the coming days.
Authorities have also decided to prioritise household LPG demand over commercial use to ensure that domestic consumers do not face shortages. Officials have clarified that cooking gas used in homes remains available and that efforts are being made to maintain steady supply for households across the country.
In another step to prevent panic buying and hoarding, the government has increased the minimum gap for booking an LPG refill from 21 days to 25 days. The move is intended to ensure fair distribution of cylinders and prevent people from booking multiple refills within a short period.
Government officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to take additional measures if needed. They are also exploring alternative sources for LPG imports to reduce pressure on the domestic supply.
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