India's LPG crisis sparks panic as shortages paralyze cities and fuel protests
A severe LPG shortage has gripped India, causing widespread panic and disruption. The crisis, triggered by Middle East conflicts affecting 60% of imports, has led to surging demand and empty cylinders across major cities. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has sharply criticised the central government's handling of the situation, calling it a failure of planning and foresight.
The shortage became acute in early March 2026, with daily LPG booking requests jumping from 5.5 million on March 1 to 7.6 million by March 12. Restaurants and hotels in Delhi, Mumbai, Punjab, and Bengaluru were forced to halt daytime operations due to cylinder shortages. In response, the federal government prioritised household supplies and ordered refineries to boost domestic production by 30% from March 5. Commercial users were directed to switch to alternative fuels, while Coal India was instructed to supply coal to small businesses and the hospitality sector.
Protests erupted across Tamil Nadu, organised by the Secular Progressive Alliance, condemning the government's handling of the crisis. Chief Minister Stalin accused the BJP-led Union government of failing to anticipate the shortage or take preventive measures. He labelled the administration a 'FailureModel,' even in foreign policy, and blamed wrong decisions for worsening the situation. Stalin urged immediate action to resolve the crisis, stating that the growing public dissatisfaction was evident in the widespread demonstrations.
The LPG shortage has disrupted daily life and business operations in several key cities. With the government directing refineries to increase production and pushing commercial users toward alternative fuels, the focus remains on stabilising supply. The political fallout continues, as opposition leaders demand accountability for the crisis.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
