When Gas Ships Slow, India’s Kitchens Feel the Heat
A war happening thousands of kilometres away can quietly reach our kitchens. The ongoing conflict in West Asia, particularly involving Iran, Israel and the United States, has begun disturbing global energy supply routes. One important fuel affected by this disruption is LPG — the cooking gas used in millions of Indian homes. When supply chains shake in that region, countries like India immediately feel the pressure.
India is the world’s second-largest importer of LPG. Last year, the country used about 33.15 million metric tonnes of cooking gas. But India does not produce enough LPG domestically to meet all its needs. Local production stands at around 12.8 million metric tonnes, which means less than half of the country’s demand is produced within India. The remaining requirement is filled through imports.
This heavy dependence on imports makes India sensitive to global disruptions. More than 50% of India’s LPG requirement comes from other countries, and about 80% of these imports arrive from Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Most of these ships travel through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea route that acts like a busy highway for global energy supplies. Because of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, ship movements in this region have slowed sharply, affecting LPG shipments to India.
To understand the scale of LPG usage, consider the daily consumption numbers. India uses roughly 6.4 million LPG cylinders every day, based on annual consumption figures. Cities with large populations naturally consume large amounts. Bengaluru, for example, with an estimated 13 million residents, likely needs around 55,000 to 60,000 domestic LPG cylinders daily for households and small businesses.
The shortage has already begun affecting the market. According to officials, weekly LPG inflows into the country have dropped by nearly 30%. To manage the situation and prevent misuse, oil companies have tightened refill rules. Consumers can now book a new domestic cylinder only after 25 days from the previous delivery, compared to the earlier waiting period of 21 days. Delivery agents have also started using OTP or biometric verification to stop hoarding and illegal diversion of cylinders.
Restaurants and small eateries are facing an even tougher situation. Bengaluru alone has around 40,000 hotels and restaurants, while Karnataka has nearly one lakh such establishments. Many of the city’s popular darshinis — small eateries that are a vital part of Bengaluru’s food culture — operate in compact spaces. Because of limited storage capacity, these establishments usually keep only one or two days’ LPG reserve. They also consume three to four commercial cylinders every day, making them particularly vulnerable when supply slows.
Commercial cylinders are different from the domestic ones used in homes. Commercial LPG cylinders are usually blue and weigh between 19 and 47.5 kilograms, designed for continuous use in businesses like hotels and restaurants. Domestic cylinders are red and contain 14.2 kilograms of gas, meant for household cooking. Commercial cylinders are more expensive and do not receive government subsidies.
Prices have also moved upward. Last week, domestic LPG cylinder prices increased by ₹60, while commercial cylinders became costlier by ₹115. Rising global energy prices and supply disruptions caused by the conflict are the main reasons behind this increase.
To protect household supply, the Union Petroleum Ministry directed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to prioritise LPG cylinders for domestic consumers instead of commercial users. The ministry also ordered oil refineries and petrochemical plants to divert propane and butane gases primarily for LPG production rather than using them to manufacture other petrochemical products such as plastics and industrial chemicals.
India still maintains a safety buffer. The country currently holds LPG stocks sufficient for about 25 to 30 days of national consumption, which helps manage temporary disruptions. Officials say the current supply position remains comfortable for the next two to three weeks, though careful management is required.
At the same time, India is actively searching for new suppliers. With shipments from the Gulf affected, the government has begun talks with countries such as Australia, Norway and Algeria to secure additional LPG supplies. Diversifying imports helps reduce dependence on a single region during times of geopolitical tension.
India has also signed new long-term agreements to strengthen supply security. New Delhi recently finalised contracts to import around 2.2 million tonnes of LPG every year from the United States, which accounts for nearly 10% of India’s annual LPG imports. Deliveries under these agreements started in January 2026, providing an additional cushion for the country’s energy needs.
The current situation is a reminder of how closely India’s daily life is connected to global events. A conflict far away can influence shipping routes, energy markets and fuel supplies. When those changes ripple through supply chains, they eventually reach the place where they matter most — the flame under a household kitchen vessel.
(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or position of the publication, its editors, or its management. The publication is not responsible for the accuracy of any information, statements, or opinions presented in this piece.
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Speaker Khader dismisses BJP's charges of 'delay' in swearing-in of Jeevaraj as MLA
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Wednesday rejected opposition BJP's allegations of delaying the swearing-in of D N Jeevaraj as MLA, asserting that the process was being handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and rules.
BJP candidate Jeevaraj, who had lost the 2023 Sringeri Assembly election to Congress leader T D Raje Gowda, was declared elected late Sunday night after reverification and recounting of postal ballots in compliance with a High Court order.
The recount reduced 255 votes from Gowda's tally, overturning his earlier victory margin of 201 votes and reversing the result.
The recount followed an election petition filed by Jeevaraj.
Addressing reporters, Khader maintained that there was no delay in administering the oath to Jeevaraj, who was declared elected from the Sringeri Assembly constituency after a High Court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
“Where have we delayed? The application was submitted at 11 am. If an application is given in the morning and by evening someone says it’s delayed — how is that a delay?” he said, dismissing the allegations.
The Speaker said the matter involved 'technical issues' that required examination before fixing a date for oath-taking.
“When such a matter comes, we also need to examine it and take a decision as per rules. If an application is given in the morning, at least 24 hours must be given,” he said.
Khader stressed that his role was bound by the Constitution and not influenced by political considerations.
“When an elected MLA asks for time, we must give it under the Constitution and law. Can we refuse? No, we have to give it,” he said, rejecting suggestions that he was acting under party pressure.
He also underlined the need for trust in democratic institutions amid the controversy.
“A democracy and parliamentary system must function on trust. Without that, how can democracy be strengthened? Trust is essential,” he said, cautioning against creating suspicion around constitutional positions.
On claims that the delay was linked to the ongoing political and legal dispute over the recount, Khader said the issue did not fall within his purview.
“My responsibility is to act as per the Constitution and rules. I will ensure that whatever is due to them is done as soon as possible,” the Speaker explained.
He said he had already communicated his position when contacted and would formally inform the concerned parties. “There is no delay, nor any intention to delay. I will discharge my duties as per the Constitution,” he said.
Khader also pointed to possible legal complications in hastily administering the oath.
“If I give the oath to one person and tomorrow the court declares someone else the winner, what happens then? Will it automatically cancel? Will confusion arise?” he asked, indicating the need for due diligence.
On concerns that Jeevaraj had lost over two years of tenure, the Speaker said representation was linked to that constituency rather than an individual.
“Whoever becomes the MLA represents the constituency. Benefits are not given to an individual,” he said, adding that issues of alleged irregularities should be examined by the Election Commission.
The remarks come after the Leader of Opposition BJP in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Speaker of 'deliberately' delaying the oath and approached Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking intervention, even suggesting that the Governor administer the oath if required.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the process 'Vote Dacoity' by Jeevaraj and said an FIR has been registered against the newly elected Sringeri MLA.
Defending the recount process, Jeevaraj denied allegations of tampering, while the High Court has stayed an FIR filed against him in connection with the postal ballot issue.
