LPG Shortage Triggers Political Row in India
Opposition parties criticise the Centre over LPG shortages in India as Middle East tensions disrupt imports, restaurants, hotels and street vendors report severe supply issues
March 11, 2026 - Shortages of LPG in India has kicked up a political debate in the country with the Opposition questioning the Central Government on the issue. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal pulled up the Centre for the “heavy LPG shortage” and the government’s “support” for Israel and the US. Speaking to the press, Kejriwal has warned that restaurants and eateries are among the worst hit and could be forced to shut.
The AAP national convenor said, "There is a chance that almost 1 crore people would be unemployed because of the power shortage situation emerging".
Meanwhile, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, too, passed a resolution criticising the Centre blaming its foreign policy.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari on Tuesday (March 11) said the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry was “entirely responsible” for the LPG shortage being faced by India.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticised the government, alleging that despite its claims of preparedness, "yet we have a GoI that again comes across as underprepared and pompous."
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav has alleged that the Centre is "misleading" the public "by saying there are adequate stocks of LPG, petrol, and diesel. Eighty percent of crude oil coming into India comes from the Strait of Hormuz, which is shut right now. Due to the government's wrong policies, the country is facing a loss."
Currently, several cities in India are facing shortages of LPG cylinders, especially commercial cylinders used by restaurants, hotels and street vendors. Panic buying and black marketing has been reported in many cities with commercial commercial cylinders price crossing Rs 3,000 in certain markets.
The reason for the supply disruption is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has impacted the import of LPG that India heavily depends on.
About two-thirds of India’s LPG is imported and most of it comes from Middle Eastern countries, so any conflict there impacts supply. India imports 50% of its natural gas from the international market with 20% from Qatar.
In Mumbai, around 20% of restaurant kitchens have already run out of LPG, forcing some to reduce menus or shut temporarily. Hotels and eateries in several cities report that suppliers are unable to deliver enough commercial cylinders. Street vendors and tea stalls are worried because they rely almost entirely on LPG for cooking.
Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has advised the use of microwave ovens and electric induction systems at its food centres, including food plazas, refreshment rooms and Jan Aahar outlets.
The government says it is prioritising LPG supply for household cooking gas so families do not face shortages. The Union government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to regulate the supply of natural gas. Refineries have been ordered to increase LPG production and divert more fuel to cooking gas supply. On Tuesday (March 10), Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri assured domestic consumers of no energy shortage.
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