Fears of an LPG shortage have begun spreading further across India as the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy supply chains. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian retaliation against US–Israel strikes has triggered anxiety among consumers and businesses.
Across many cities and states, long queues formed outside LPG agencies and fuel stations as consumers rushed to secure cylinders and petrol. Panic buying surged bookings and put pressure on distribution systems, creating delays and uncertainty for households and businesses alike.
In Kolkata and other West Bengal districts, auto drivers and households waited for hours outside LPG agencies. Distributors reported that daily cylinder bookings nearly doubled as people rushed to refill amid fears of supply shortages and disruptions.
Commercial LPG shortages are affecting hotels and restaurants in Bhopal, Hyderabad, Chennai and other cities. Many operators are struggling to keep kitchens running as fuel supplies remain uncertain, forcing eateries to switch to alternative cooking methods or temporarily halt operations.
In Delhi, community kitchens such as langars and Atal canteens are cutting menu options. Mess operators in student areas of Pune report irregular cylinder availability and rising costs.
In Mumbai, single-cylinder households are worst hit, with many residents taking leave to wait for refills. In Pune, mess operators in student areas face cylinder shortages, forcing some to raise meal prices and others to consider temporary shutdowns.
In Bengaluru, auto-rickshaw drivers using LPG said a sudden price hike of about ₹10 per litre in two days has added to their financial strain. Fuel station workers also reported supply disruptions limiting how much LPG they could sell.
In Bhopal, several eateries have switched part of their cooking to induction stoves. Some restaurants temporarily halted operations as they wait for fresh commercial LPG cylinder supplies, adapting quickly to the ongoing gas shortage.
In Ajmer, hotels and restaurants have begun using coal and wood as LPG supplies tighten. Daily wood consumption has risen sharply, and prices for coal and wood have increased, with many hotel owners making bulk bookings to avoid shortages.
