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.