Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday raised concerns about a severe shortage of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) in India, attributing the situation to disruptions in energy supply routes caused by the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict.

Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal stated that supply through the Strait of Hormuz has stopped, leading to a significant decline in LPG availability across the country.

He warned that the disruption could have wide-ranging impacts on households, businesses and the hospitality industry if the situation continues.

Kejriwal’s Claim on LPG Supply Disruption

According to Kejriwal, the daily availability of LPG in India has dropped sharply due to supply constraints linked to the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East.

He explained that the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, has significantly affected India’s LPG imports.

Kejriwal stated that:

• India imports around 60% of its LPG consumption

• Nearly 90% of those imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz

He claimed that since shipments through the strait have stopped, India’s LPG supply has fallen by nearly 50–55%.

"LPG is used to cook food at homes, restaurants and other places. Our country is facing a severe shortage," Kejriwal said.

Impact on Households and Businesses

LPG is widely used across India for cooking in homes as well as for commercial purposes.

Kejriwal warned that the shortage could affect millions of households that rely on LPG cylinders for daily cooking needs.

He also highlighted the potential impact on businesses such as:

• Restaurants

• Hotels

• Catering services

• Food processing units

According to him, these sectors could face immediate operational challenges if supply shortages persist.

Restaurants and Hotels Already Affected

Kejriwal also cited reports suggesting that some parts of the hospitality sector are already experiencing disruptions.

He claimed that in Mumbai, around 20% of hotels and restaurants have already shut down due to shortages of commercial LPG cylinders.

He further warned that nearly half of such establishments could shut down within the next two days if the supply situation does not improve.

The shortage comes at a particularly sensitive time, as the country is currently in the peak wedding season, when demand for LPG in catering and hospitality services is high.

Kejriwal said that if the crisis continues, many weddings and large events may have to be postponed.

Concerns Over Black Market Activity

Another issue highlighted by Kejriwal was the growing black-market trade in LPG cylinders.

He alleged that shortages are encouraging illegal resale and hoarding of LPG supplies in several areas.

Such practices could further worsen the crisis by diverting essential supplies away from legitimate consumers.

Authorities typically take strict action against black marketing of essential commodities, especially during periods of shortage.

Link to Iran–Israel Conflict

Kejriwal linked the LPG supply disruption directly to the ongoing Iran–Israel war, which has affected oil and gas transportation across the Middle East.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the most critical maritime routes for global energy shipments.

A large portion of the world’s oil and gas exports pass through this narrow waterway.

Recent tensions and security threats in the region have reportedly disrupted tanker movement, affecting the supply of energy products to several countries, including India.

Criticism of Government’s Foreign Policy

During the press conference, Kejriwal also criticised the central government’s foreign policy approach.

He argued that India had traditionally followed a non-aligned diplomatic strategy, maintaining balanced relations with different global powers.

According to him, this policy helped protect India’s interests during international conflicts.

Kejriwal alleged that recent diplomatic positions had altered this long-standing approach, potentially affecting India’s relations with countries involved in the current conflict.

He specifically criticised the Prime Minister’s meeting with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting that India’s position could have influenced the current situation.

Wider Implications for India’s Energy Security

The LPG shortage warning highlights broader concerns about India’s dependence on imported energy resources.

As one of the world’s largest consumers of LPG, India relies heavily on imports to meet domestic demand.

Any disruption to international supply routes can therefore have significant consequences for energy availability and prices.

Experts often emphasise the importance of:

• Diversifying energy sources

• Increasing domestic production

• Building strategic reserves

These measures help countries manage potential supply shocks during geopolitical crises.

Conclusion

Arvind Kejriwal’s warning about a severe LPG shortage in India underscores the potential domestic impact of the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

With imports accounting for a large share of India’s LPG consumption, interruptions in global energy transport routes can quickly affect supply chains.

If the situation continues, it could lead to significant challenges for households, businesses and the hospitality sector, making the crisis one of the key issues to watch in the coming weeks.

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