New Delhi: India is facing growing anxiety over cooking gas supplies as disruptions in global energy routes, triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, have begun affecting the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The shortage is already impacting commercial users such as hotels and restaurants, raising fears of temporary closures if the situation persists.
The crisis stems from escalating tensions in West Asia involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which has slowed shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial global energy transit route. Security concerns in the region have disrupted the movement of oil and gas tankers, affecting supplies destined for several countries, including India.
India is heavily dependent on imports to meet its LPG demand. Nearly two-thirds of the country’s total LPG consumption is sourced from overseas markets, with major supplies coming from Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Experts say around 85–90 percent of India’s LPG shipments usually pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the country particularly vulnerable to disruptions in the region.
As shipments slow and delivery schedules become uncertain, commercial LPG supplies have tightened. Restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses are among the sectors already feeling the pressure. Industry representatives say many establishments rely entirely on LPG for cooking, and prolonged shortages could lead to operational disruptions across the hospitality sector.
Hospitality groups have cautioned that thousands of eateries may struggle to remain open if regular supply is not restored soon. Many businesses are reportedly operating on limited stock and are exploring alternative cooking methods while waiting for clarity on future deliveries.
In response to the situation, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has formed a committee to review requests from restaurants, hotels, and other commercial users seeking LPG supplies. Officials have indicated that household cooking gas requirements will remain the government’s top priority during the shortage.
Authorities say the committee will examine supply demands and coordinate with oil marketing companies to manage distribution as efficiently as possible. However, with international shipping routes still uncertain, industry stakeholders remain concerned about how long the disruption may continue.
The current situation highlights India’s dependence on global energy supply chains and the vulnerability of domestic markets to geopolitical tensions in key oil and gas producing regions. Businesses across the hospitality sector are now closely watching developments in West Asia, hoping for stability that would allow LPG shipments to resume at normal levels.
