Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia have begun to affect liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply in several Indian cities, disrupting availability of commercial cylinders used by restaurants, hotels and small food businesses.
Cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata have reported delays in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, raising concerns among the hospitality sector. Industry representatives said prolonged supply disruptions could affect operations of eateries and food outlets that rely heavily on LPG for daily cooking.
The supply pressure comes as global energy markets remain volatile due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. India imports a significant portion of its LPG requirements from the Gulf region, making domestic supply vulnerable to disruptions in the international market.
To manage the situation, the central government has taken steps to ensure adequate availability of cooking gas in the country. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed oil refineries to increase LPG production for domestic consumption.
Officials said the move is aimed at stabilising supply and preventing shortages in the domestic market. The government has also instructed oil marketing companies to prioritise household LPG supply over commercial demand to ensure that domestic consumers do not face any major disruptions.
In addition, authorities have extended the minimum waiting period for booking an LPG refill from 21 days to 25 days. The measure has been introduced to prevent panic buying and hoarding of cylinders during the current period of supply pressure.
Industry experts said commercial establishments are more likely to face short-term supply challenges as available LPG is redirected toward domestic consumption. However, the additional production ordered by the government is expected to ease the situation in the coming weeks.
The government is also exploring alternative import options to maintain steady LPG supplies. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and further steps may be taken if required.