The old fire is stoked again as firewood and electric fill the LPG gap, and menus shrink
On the positive side, a new route, bypassing Hormuz, opened for India's LPG supplies from Saudi Arabia. But there is a supply shortage for March and a much bigger one for April as of date
Firms leverage ESG-led shifts to biogas and electric cooking to manage LPG supply disruptions and ensure continuity of canteen operations across campuses
The total LPG allocation increases to 50 per cent for commercial users with the latest additional 20 per cent allocation
India's domestic production supplies about 41 per cent of the country's LPG demand, while the remaining volumes are imported
As LPG shortages disrupt kitchens amid West Asia tensions, induction cooktops are gaining ground. Here's a practical guide to choosing the right model for Indian cooking needs
At least 8 oil tankers, including 7 with Russian crude, diverted mid-voyage from China to India
War-hit routes and contract-locked supplies squeeze availability
Shipping constraints through the Strait are expected to persist in the near term, with global supply adjustments taking time
Cooking gas LPG consumption in India fell by a steep 17.7 per cent in the first half of March on the back of supply disruptions due to war in West Asia, preliminary industry data showed. LPG consumption fell to 1.147 million tonne during the first fortnight of March, 17.3 per cent lower than 1.387 million tonne consumed in the same period last year and 26.3 per cent lower than 1.557 million tonne demand in the first half of February. India imports about 60 per cent of its LPG requirements, much of it via the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively shut following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliation. With supplies from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates disrupted, the government has cut LPG supplies to commercial establishments like hotels, and industries to safeguard household cooking gas availability. Preliminary sales data of three state-owned fuel retailers, who control roughly 90 per cent of the market, showed LPG consumption during March 1 to Mar
Survey by LocalCircles found that households are rushing to buy induction cooktops, as delays in cylinder deliveries and supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict raise concerns
Indian LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely and are sailing towards Mundra and Kandla ports, officials said amid tensions in the Gulf region
Going ahead, analysts expect natural gas prices to stay elevated in the backdrop of developments in West Asia. In March alone, prices of natural gas have climbed 16 per cent to $3.277/MMBtu
Many go back to coal and wood, while some give offers in return for cylinders
The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has sought the Centre's response on a plea by LPG distributors alleging shortages in the supply of domestic cooking gas cylinders
The survey, conducted by LocalCircles, found that a majority of households reported difficulties in obtaining cooking gas cylinders over the past seven days
India relies heavily on LPG imports from West Asia routed through the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing conflict has forced the Centre to divert domestic output to protect households
Tensions in West Asia, if sustained, could test the goldilocks mix of robust growth and stable inflation, Nomura said in a recent note.
Industry bodies have warned that unless supply stabilises soon, the hospitality sector could face widespread operational disruptions in the coming weeks
The prices of domestic LPG and commercial cylinders were hiked by a steep Rs 60 and Rs 114.5, respectively, amid rising energy costs linked to the West Asia conflict. Non-subsidised LPG, the one that common household users other than the Ujjwala beneficiaries use in their kitchens, will now cost Rs 913 per 14.2-kg cylinder in Delhi as against Rs 853 previously, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) website. This is the second increase in prices in less than a year. Industry officials said the increase follows a steep rise in global energy prices since the breakout of military conflict in West Asia. Despite the price increase, cooking gas in India is priced at the lowest when compared with neighbouring countries, they said. The price increase, the website showed, is effective from March 7. This is the second increase in rates in 11 months. Prices were last hiked by Rs 50 in April last year. In Mumbai, non-subsidised LPG now costs Rs 912.50, Rs 939 in Kolkata and Rs 928.50