The LPG crisis in India is gripping households, restaurants, and small businesses nationwide as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt global energy supply chains. Triggered by Iran’s retaliation against US–Israel strikes and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, panic buying and long queues at gas agencies have become the new normal. While the government insists domestic LPG supplies are stable, commercial distribution is strained, leaving restaurants, hotels, and even power plants scrambling for alternatives.
State-Wise LPG Supply Snapshot (Domestic vs Commercial)
| State | Domestic Supply | Commercial Supply | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Bengal | Stable | Disrupted | High |
| Tamil Nadu | Stable | Disrupted | High |
| Karnataka | Stable | Restricted | Medium |
| Telangana | Stable | Limited | High |
| Madhya Pradesh | Stable | Disrupted | Medium |
| UP | Stable | Limited | Medium |
| Bihar | Stable | Limited | Medium |
State-Wise Impact of the LPG Crisis in India
Why are LPG supplies under stress now?
India relies on imports for nearly 62% of its LPG, mostly from Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, has been partially blocked due to escalating conflicts, triggering supply chain disruptions. With households consuming 87% of India’s 31.3 million tonnes of LPG annually, even minor interruptions have immediate ripple effects.
West Bengal: Panic Buying and Long Queues
- In Kolkata and surrounding districts, auto-rickshaw drivers and domestic consumers waited hours at LPG agencies.
- Daily bookings for Indane cylinders nearly doubled to 2 lakh from 1 lakh.
- Distributor Bijan Biswas said, “Many people are afraid they might not get another cylinder soon, and that has led to this crisis.”
Bhopal: Restaurants Turn to Induction Cooking
- Commercial LPG shortages forced eateries to shift to induction stoves or firewood.
- Dolraj Gaire, a restaurant owner, reported shifting 60% of operations to induction cooking, ensuring 80% of menu items remained available.
- Some restaurants temporarily shut operations due to lack of gas.
Hyderabad & Tamil Nadu: Gas Shortage Hits Hard
- In Hyderabad, most restaurants are using firewood as LPG runs out, with black-market prices rising.
- Tamil Nadu restaurants limited fuel-intensive dishes and partially closed kitchens.
- Auto-rickshaw operations in Chennai dropped by 25%, with remaining drivers hiking fares due to limited gas availability.
Puducherry & Uttar Pradesh: Fuel Panic Spreads
- Petrol and diesel stations faced long queues despite government assurances.
- In Basti, UP, early morning queues at gas agencies created near stampede-like situations, although supply remained sufficient.
New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru: Surge in Induction & Electric Appliances
- Demand for induction cooktops tripled in retail stores like Croma.
- Online marketplaces reported spikes: induction cooktops 30X, rice cookers and pressure cookers 4X, air fryers and multi-use kettles 2X over normal sales.
- Households are stockpiling appliances in anticipation of continued disruptions.
Karnataka: Power Sector May Feel Impact
- The Yelahanka gas-based power plant (370 MW) stopped gas supply due to prioritization of household consumption.
- Karnataka’s daily power demand (~355 million units) is currently met via thermal, hydro, solar, wind, and central grid imports.
- Prolonged disruption may cause minor power supply issues if alternate sources aren’t scaled.
Government Response: Ensuring Supply for Essentials
- The Essential Commodities Act invoked to prioritize LPG for households, hospitals, and schools.
- Domestic LPG production increased by 25% for household consumption.
- States are monitoring supply chains and cracking down on hoarding and black-market activities.
- Bihar authorities are actively curbing illegal LPG sales, ensuring equitable distribution.
Political Reactions
- Rahul Gandhi criticized the government’s preparedness, urging measures to safeguard energy security.
- MK Stalin (Tamil Nadu) and Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal) called for urgent intervention to restore commercial and household LPG supply.
Quick FAQ on the LPG Crisis in India
Q1: Is there an actual shortage of LPG for households?
A1: No. Domestic LPG supplies remain stable, but commercial distribution is facing temporary disruptions.
Q2: Which states are most affected?
A2: West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Hyderabad (Telangana), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Puducherry, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Q3: What alternatives are people using?
A3: Induction cooktops, electric pressure cookers, firewood, and other fuel sources for cooking.
Q4: How is the government responding?
A4: Prioritizing household supply, increasing domestic production, monitoring distributors, and cracking down on black-market sales.
Q5: Why is this happening now?
A5: Disruption of imports via the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran-US-Israel conflict has strained commercial LPG supply chains.
Bottom Line
The LPG crisis in India underscores how global geopolitical events can directly affect domestic fuel supplies and daily life. While households are largely secure, businesses and transport sectors are scrambling for alternatives. The government’s swift action to prioritize essential services and increase domestic production will be critical in preventing a full-blown energy crunch. Consumers are advised to avoid panic buying, explore electric or induction alternatives, and stay informed through official sources.
