‘The Situation is Dire’: War on Iran Squeezes India's Cooking-Gas Supplies.

The ripple effects of a conflict being fought nearly 1,864 miles away are now reaching India's households.

As military actions on Iran impede energy transports through the Strait of Hormuz, availability of kitchen fuel are shrinking across India, pushing restaurants to cut menus, reduce operating times and in some cases shut down altogether.

Social media is flooded by video clips showing queues outside fuel suppliers across Indian urban and rural areas as worries over fuel supplies spread. Commercial LPG users appear the most affected: the biggest crunch is in commercial eateries.

"Conditions are critical. LPG simply isn't available," says a representative of the a major restaurant body.

Most food outlets run either on business-grade gas tanks or direct gas lines, and the scarcities are now being felt across the country. "Many restaurants have closed - some in northern India, many in the south. People are adopting coal and wood and electric cookers to keep food preparation going."

Regional Impact

In a financial hub, accounts say up to a 20% of eateries are already completely or partially closed as business fuel stocks dwindle. In the southern cities of Bengaluru and Chennai, some restaurants say their gas stocks have depleted with minimal reserves. "Coffee is the sole item we can prepare and no food items - it is truly dismal. Operations will be impacted," says a business operator in Bengaluru.

Restaurant operators are seeking alternatives. "Offering lists are shrinking, some are skipping midday meals and operating solely in the evening," an industry representative says, adding that closures are fluctuating as supplies wax and wane. "A number of eateries in Delhi were shut yesterday - two have already reopened. It's a fluid situation."

Retailers note a spike in sales of induction stoves, with some saying they are facing stockouts.

Government Stance

Yet, the authorities insists there is sufficient stock.

India has more than 300 million household consumers and spokespersons say supplies are being reallocated to households as conflict-related stress from the war in the Gulf impact energy markets.

Roughly a majority of India's LPG is imported, and about 90% of those imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow Gulf chokepoint now significantly disrupted by the hostilities.

The relevant department says that it ordered refineries to maximise LPG output for domestic use, enhancing domestic production by about 25%. Commercial stock is being prioritised for critical services such as healthcare and education, while distribution will be "just and open".

"Some panic booking and stockpiling has been sparked by rumors. The normal delivery cycle for home fuel remains about 60 hours," says a ministry representative.

Widening Concern

Now the concern is extending beyond kitchens. On online networks, a widely shared video from Chennai shows a lengthy, winding line of motorbikes outside a gas outlet. "Anxiety is palpable," the description reads.

According to reports from market experts, concerns about India's broader energy security may be exaggerated.

India imports 90% of its petroleum. Around half of its crude oil imports - about 2.5-2.7 million barrels a day - travel through the strait, largely from Middle Eastern nations.

Even if petroleum transit through the Strait of Hormuz are hindered, the shortfall could be partly offset by higher imports of competitively priced oil from Russia, according to a refinery and oil markets analyst.

Based on maritime intelligence and expert analysis, additional Russian crude imports could reach around 1-1.2 million barrels a day, narrowing India's effective deficit from exposure to the Strait of Hormuz to about 1.6 million barrels a day.

"A large quantity of Russian oil barrels are currently on the water in the Indian Ocean and, with only India and China as major buyers, those barrels remain a available backup," an analyst noted.

Cooking Gas: The Critical Weakness

The primary concern is kitchen fuel, analysts say.

India consumes roughly one million barrels a day, but produces only less than half domestically, importing the rest - 80–90% through the chokepoint.

Refineries can adjust processes to produce a bit more LPG, but even a moderate increase would only increase domestic supply to about under half of demand, leaving the country significantly leaning on imports.

In short: "Crude supply risk can be moderately reduced through varied suppliers. Fuel availability remains relatively comfortable. Cooking gas supply is the key factor to monitor in the coming weeks."

What may be heightening the panic on the ground is not just tight supply but patchy deliveries - and the usual problem of hoarding.

An industry representative alleges exploitative practices.

"Suppliers are taking advantage of the situation - illegally trading canisters and selling them at a inflated price. In one small town, I heard of cylinders being hoarded and auctioned off."

For now, India's energy imports may be buffered by international market dynamics. But in restaurants across the country, the more urgent issue is simple: how to get the next cylinder.