How Is US-Iran War Triggering LPG Crisis in India?

India faces a sudden LPG shortage due to the US-Israel-Iran war disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, through which 85 to 90 per cent of its LPG imports pass. Cooking gas supplies to homes remain prioritised, but restaurants and hotels in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata struggle with irregular deliveries, forcing some to cut menus or close temporarily. Prices have jumped too, with a 14.2 kg domestic cylinder now costing Rs 913 in Delhi, up Rs 60 from last week, and commercial ones rising by Rs 115.​

The government swung into action quickly and ordered refineries to ramp up LPG production for household use. They invoked the Essential Commodities Act to enforce supply rules, stretched the booking interval to 25 days to stop hoarding, and cut industrial gas by 50 per cent in states like Gujarat so homes get first share. Imports now come from 40 countries, including Russian oil, to bypass the Gulf choke point, and hospitals get reserved stocks.

People panic at outlets because wedding season adds pressure, especially in places like Patiala where feasts need gas. But officials say no need to worry as stocks build up, and oil firms work round the clock. This war shows how India’s energy needs tie to global routes, so diversifying sources helps now and for the future.