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- India LPG Cylinder Shortage News Live Updates: Highlights
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Mar 14, 2026, 06:48:30 IST
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India LPG Cylinder Shortage News Live Updates: Highlights
The LPG supply disruption linked to the West Asia conflict has triggered widespread anxiety among households and businesses across India, leading to panic bookings of cooking gas cylinders and long queues at distribution outlets.
Consumers across cities reported repeated failures in LPG booking systems, including IVRS numbers, mobile apps and WhatsApp channels, many of which displayed “server down” messages amid a surge in traffic. Distributors said booking volumes had increased nearly tenfold, overwhelming systems not designed for such heavy demand.
While the government has directed that domestic LPG supply be prioritised, dealers said deliveries have slowed considerably even though supplies have not been completely halted. Commercial LPG supply, however, has largely stopped, affecting restaurants, caterers and other establishments.
To ease the pressure on cooking gas demand, authorities have temporarily reintroduced kerosene and coal as alternative cooking fuels. Oil marketing companies have also allowed commercial establishments to receive only 20% of their average monthly LPG consumption.
The shortage has had a severe impact in Kerala, where industry bodies said around 40% of restaurants may shut down as LPG stocks run out. Caterers and hostels have also reported difficulties in continuing operations.
At the same time, demand for electric cooking appliances has surged sharply. Retailers and e-commerce platforms reported a dramatic spike in sales of induction cooktops, rice cookers and electric kettles as households rushed to secure alternative cooking arrangements amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
Consumers across cities reported repeated failures in LPG booking systems, including IVRS numbers, mobile apps and WhatsApp channels, many of which displayed “server down” messages amid a surge in traffic. Distributors said booking volumes had increased nearly tenfold, overwhelming systems not designed for such heavy demand.
While the government has directed that domestic LPG supply be prioritised, dealers said deliveries have slowed considerably even though supplies have not been completely halted. Commercial LPG supply, however, has largely stopped, affecting restaurants, caterers and other establishments.
To ease the pressure on cooking gas demand, authorities have temporarily reintroduced kerosene and coal as alternative cooking fuels. Oil marketing companies have also allowed commercial establishments to receive only 20% of their average monthly LPG consumption.
The shortage has had a severe impact in Kerala, where industry bodies said around 40% of restaurants may shut down as LPG stocks run out. Caterers and hostels have also reported difficulties in continuing operations.
At the same time, demand for electric cooking appliances has surged sharply. Retailers and e-commerce platforms reported a dramatic spike in sales of induction cooktops, rice cookers and electric kettles as households rushed to secure alternative cooking arrangements amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
13:45 (IST) Mar 12
LPG Cylinder Shortage News Live Updates: Will discuss LPG shortage during Cabinet meeting, says Shivakumar
Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said the state government would raise the issue of the LPG shortage in the upcoming Cabinet meeting and urged the Centre to urgently resolve the supply disruption affecting households and farmers.
Amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East, the state has been witnessing a crisis in LPG refills.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said the shortage was creating serious inconvenience for the public, particularly in rural areas, and stressed that the matter required immediate attention at the highest level.
"Today there is some issue with gas supply; gas is not available. This is causing problems for everyone. I had said this yesterday as well and the day before, but the (BJP) MPs are not speaking about it," he said.
He said the Centre must step in quickly to restore normal LPG supplies, cautioning that villagers could be forced to return to using firewood if the shortage continues.
"They should find a solution today itself and supply LPG. Otherwise, if gas is not available in the villages, then our farmers will have to use firewood as an alternative. They say people should not use firewood and declare things as 'firewood-free,' but people are compelled to make such decisions," he said.
Amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East, the state has been witnessing a crisis in LPG refills.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said the shortage was creating serious inconvenience for the public, particularly in rural areas, and stressed that the matter required immediate attention at the highest level.
"Today there is some issue with gas supply; gas is not available. This is causing problems for everyone. I had said this yesterday as well and the day before, but the (BJP) MPs are not speaking about it," he said.
He said the Centre must step in quickly to restore normal LPG supplies, cautioning that villagers could be forced to return to using firewood if the shortage continues.
"They should find a solution today itself and supply LPG. Otherwise, if gas is not available in the villages, then our farmers will have to use firewood as an alternative. They say people should not use firewood and declare things as 'firewood-free,' but people are compelled to make such decisions," he said.
13:43 (IST) Mar 12
LPG News Live Updates: 'If crude remains near USD 100/bbl, each month of crisis to add Rs 30,000 cr additional cost for centre'
(Reported by news agency ANI)
If crude oil prices sustain above USD 100 per barrel in FY27, the Central government's annual additional expenditure could rise by Rs 3.6 lakh crore, according to a report by Elara Securities.
The report highlighted that the ongoing Middle East conflict shows few signs of de-escalation, which could intensify Asia's energy crisis and trigger global supply chain disruptions.
It stated "scenario where Brent crude sustains at USD 100/ bbl through FY27E, India's current account deficit (CAD) could widen to 2 per cent of GDP (from 1 per cent at US D 70/bbl), USD -INR could weaken further to 94 - 95, while the Centre's annual additional expenditure would rise by INR 3.6tn/annually".
It noted that prolonged interruptions in the Strait of Hormuz (SOH) beyond mid-March, delayed energy supply normalization from affected producers, and persistent geopolitical uncertainty could put pressure on India's external sector.
These developments may also spill over into the domestic economy and lead to rising fiscal pressures.
If crude oil prices sustain above USD 100 per barrel in FY27, the Central government's annual additional expenditure could rise by Rs 3.6 lakh crore, according to a report by Elara Securities.
The report highlighted that the ongoing Middle East conflict shows few signs of de-escalation, which could intensify Asia's energy crisis and trigger global supply chain disruptions.
It stated "scenario where Brent crude sustains at USD 100/ bbl through FY27E, India's current account deficit (CAD) could widen to 2 per cent of GDP (from 1 per cent at US D 70/bbl), USD -INR could weaken further to 94 - 95, while the Centre's annual additional expenditure would rise by INR 3.6tn/annually".
It noted that prolonged interruptions in the Strait of Hormuz (SOH) beyond mid-March, delayed energy supply normalization from affected producers, and persistent geopolitical uncertainty could put pressure on India's external sector.
These developments may also spill over into the domestic economy and lead to rising fiscal pressures.
13:41 (IST) Mar 12
LPG Cylinder Shortage News Live Updates: Energy security compromised, says Rahul Gandhi
(Reported by news agency PTI)
Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday expressed concern over the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) amid the situation in West Asia, asking the Centre to start preparing and change the mindset.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that he was not allowed to make a statement on the LPG shortage in Parliament.
Gandhi said, "Normally, the procedure is that you can ask to talk. So I asked to be allowed to make a statement about the LPG gas and oil situation in the country. But a new procedure has started where the Minister will first decide, then I will speak, then the Minister will reply."
This came after Congress MP KC Venugopal asked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, "The LoP has given a notice. Please allow the LoP to raise the issue of the LPG crisis."
Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday expressed concern over the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) amid the situation in West Asia, asking the Centre to start preparing and change the mindset.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that he was not allowed to make a statement on the LPG shortage in Parliament.
Gandhi said, "Normally, the procedure is that you can ask to talk. So I asked to be allowed to make a statement about the LPG gas and oil situation in the country. But a new procedure has started where the Minister will first decide, then I will speak, then the Minister will reply."
This came after Congress MP KC Venugopal asked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, "The LoP has given a notice. Please allow the LoP to raise the issue of the LPG crisis."
13:39 (IST) Mar 12
India LPG Cylinder Shortage News Live Updates: People queue outside a gas agency in Bhopal (Photo)
People queue outside a gas agency in Bhopal to collect LPG cylinders and refill their two-wheelers.
13:37 (IST) Mar 12
Preparing for the possibility of a temporary LPG shortage in the next 10–12 days, oil marketing companies (OMCs) working in UP have begun formulating contingency measures to ensure households continue to have access to cooking fuel. The exercise, officials emphasize, is precautionary and intended only for a worst‑case scenario.According to officials from the OMCs, the planning involves evaluating whether kerosene — largely phased out over the past few years — could serve as an emergency alternative if LPG supplies tighten.“We are preparing precautionary measures so that if an LPG shortage occurs, consumers still have fuel for domestic use,” an official said, adding that the intent is solely to ensure readiness, not to reintroduce kerosene on a routine basis.A senior official explained that kerosene’s availability would not pose a major challenge because it is naturally generated during the refining of petrol and diesel. “Kerosene is readily produced along with petrol and diesel, so its availability from Indian refineries is not an issue,” the official said.
13:36 (IST) Mar 12
India LPG Shorage Live Updates: 'Just like covid times', Bengaluru hoteliers struggle to retain employees as costs boil over
The shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has already compelled many eateries across Bengaluru to scale back menu offerings or temporarily shut operations. However, hoteliers say an even bigger concern is emerging — how to retain staff and continue paying salaries as uncertainty around the crisis grows.
Hotel and restaurant owners across the city said they are under mounting pressure to keep their workforce intact while rising costs and disrupted operations continue to strain the hospitality sector.
A fast-food joint owner who shut his restaurant in Chamarajpet on Wednesday due to the shortage of cylinders said the situation has left many owners worried about their employees’ future. “We are not sure for how long the crisis will continue. Our biggest dilemma is whether to tell the chefs to go or to hold on to them. It appears like we landed in situation experienced during Covid times.”
Subramanya Holla S, president of Bangalore Hotels’ Association, said retaining staff has become a major challenge for the industry. “Retaining staff has become a huge issue. Temporary workers may not get salaries elsewhere, but here, we try to ensure everyone is paid. Even basic salaries start at around Rs 16,000–17,000, while specialised staff earn Rs 25,000–40,000, and some go up to Rs 75,000 depending on their skills.”
Hotel and restaurant owners across the city said they are under mounting pressure to keep their workforce intact while rising costs and disrupted operations continue to strain the hospitality sector.
A fast-food joint owner who shut his restaurant in Chamarajpet on Wednesday due to the shortage of cylinders said the situation has left many owners worried about their employees’ future. “We are not sure for how long the crisis will continue. Our biggest dilemma is whether to tell the chefs to go or to hold on to them. It appears like we landed in situation experienced during Covid times.”
Subramanya Holla S, president of Bangalore Hotels’ Association, said retaining staff has become a major challenge for the industry. “Retaining staff has become a huge issue. Temporary workers may not get salaries elsewhere, but here, we try to ensure everyone is paid. Even basic salaries start at around Rs 16,000–17,000, while specialised staff earn Rs 25,000–40,000, and some go up to Rs 75,000 depending on their skills.”
13:27 (IST) Mar 12
LPG Shortage Live Updates: LPG shortage disrupts food services across cities
A shortage of commercial LPG cylinders affected restaurants, canteens and hostels across several Indian cities. Popular dishes such as dosa, puri and full meals were removed from menus as establishments struggled to secure cooking gas. In some areas, eateries temporarily shut operations while others limited their offerings to items requiring minimal cooking.
13:26 (IST) Mar 12
India LPG Shorage Live Updates: Delhi high court canteen cuts main course meals
At the Delhi High Court lawyers’ canteen, management informed advocates that main course dishes could not be served due to gas shortages. Only lighter refreshments such as sandwiches, salads and fruit chaat were available. Services resumed later after a limited supply arrived, but uncertainty about future availability remained.
13:25 (IST) Mar 12
LPG News Live Updates: Restaurants and hostels adapt to fuel crisis
Across Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru, hostels and eateries dropped gas-intensive dishes and rationed beverages. Restaurant associations began exploring alternatives such as coal, firewood, electric kitchens and biogas systems. Railway catering units were also asked to rely on induction stoves and microwaves to continue operations.
13:23 (IST) Mar 12
LPG Shortage Live Updates: Shutdowns and supply concerns hit hospitality sector
In Pune, multiple restaurants closed as commercial LPG supplies dried up for a second consecutive day. Modern Cafe in Shivajinagar shut after exhausting its stock, and other branches also faced closure. Industry representatives said switching to piped gas connections could help reduce dependence on LPG.
13:23 (IST) Mar 12
India LPG Shortage News: Govt urges calm, says domestic LPG supply stable
The government maintained that domestic LPG supply remains adequate despite disruptions affecting commercial users. Oil companies have increased production by 25%, and cylinders are reportedly being delivered within two-and-a-half days. Officials warned states to prevent hoarding and black marketing while reassuring households about continued supply.
India LPG Cylinder Shortage News Live Updates: Anxiety over a possible LPG shortage has spread to households across India, triggering panic bookings of domestic cylinders and long queues outside distribution agencies as digital booking systems struggle to cope with a sudden surge in demand. Consumers reported that IVRS numbers, WhatsApp channels and online booking portals frequently displayed “server down” messages, forcing many to visit dealer outlets in person.
Despite the Centre’s direction to prioritise domestic LPG supply, consumers said deliveries on the ground remained uncertain. Dealers said commercial LPG supply had almost completely stopped, while domestic supplies had slowed significantly though not halted.
Officials maintained there was no shortage of domestic cooking gas, but the surge in bookings has overwhelmed systems. Shashi Kant Sharma, vice-president of the Federation of LPG Distributors of India, said bookings had increased nearly tenfold, far beyond what the system was designed to handle.
The situation has prompted the government to temporarily allow kerosene and coal as cooking alternatives. A committee of oil marketing companies has also permitted commercial establishments to access only 20% of their average monthly LPG consumption and increased the gap between booking two cylinders in rural areas from 25 to 45 days.
Across cities including Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Chennai, consumers were seen waiting for hours outside LPG outlets.
The shortage has disrupted several sectors. In Kerala, hotel associations said up to 40% of restaurants may shut as LPG stocks run out, while caterers, hostels and mess facilities are also struggling to find alternatives. Some suppliers were reportedly charging nearly double for cylinders.
Meanwhile, demand for electric cooking appliances such as induction cooktops and rice cookers has surged sharply. E-commerce platforms reported sales increases of up to 25–30 times in the past two days as households rushed to secure backup cooking options.
Despite the Centre’s direction to prioritise domestic LPG supply, consumers said deliveries on the ground remained uncertain. Dealers said commercial LPG supply had almost completely stopped, while domestic supplies had slowed significantly though not halted.
Officials maintained there was no shortage of domestic cooking gas, but the surge in bookings has overwhelmed systems. Shashi Kant Sharma, vice-president of the Federation of LPG Distributors of India, said bookings had increased nearly tenfold, far beyond what the system was designed to handle.
The situation has prompted the government to temporarily allow kerosene and coal as cooking alternatives. A committee of oil marketing companies has also permitted commercial establishments to access only 20% of their average monthly LPG consumption and increased the gap between booking two cylinders in rural areas from 25 to 45 days.
Across cities including Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Chennai, consumers were seen waiting for hours outside LPG outlets.
The shortage has disrupted several sectors. In Kerala, hotel associations said up to 40% of restaurants may shut as LPG stocks run out, while caterers, hostels and mess facilities are also struggling to find alternatives. Some suppliers were reportedly charging nearly double for cylinders.
Meanwhile, demand for electric cooking appliances such as induction cooktops and rice cookers has surged sharply. E-commerce platforms reported sales increases of up to 25–30 times in the past two days as households rushed to secure backup cooking options.
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