[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] A worsening shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in India, driven by disruptions linked to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, is forcing households to revert to firewood and has led to a surge in theft and violent incidents.

According to Bloomberg on March 18 (local time), many Indian households are struggling to secure LPG, the country’s primary cooking fuel. As a result, some have begun using firewood as an alternative.

In rural Kerala, a homemaker identified as Babita Sivadhasan said LPG distributors had not accepted booking requests for a week, forcing her to ration her remaining gas supply before switching to firewood for cooking.

In the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, a large commercial gas cylinder was reportedly stolen in broad daylight from a market-area hotel.

Similar disruptions have been reported across the country. In Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, hundreds of residents lined up at an LPG distribution center before dawn, only to block major roads in protest when the outlet failed to open. In Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, police were dispatched after fights broke out among customers waiting in line over queue-cutting disputes.

India, the world’s second-largest LPG consumer, imports most of its supply from the Middle East. Ongoing regional conflict has disrupted procurement, dealing a heavy blow to the country’s food service industry.

Industry estimates suggest that up to 5% of restaurants nationwide have recently suspended operations. In Navi Mumbai and Raigad, near the financial hub of Mumbai, more than 20% of hotels have reportedly closed.

Restaurants are also adjusting menus by removing dishes that require high gas usage, such as fried foods, long-simmered curries, and noodle dishes.

Elara Securities estimates that LPG consumption in the food service sector has declined by approximately 25% compared to normal levels.

Meanwhile, demand for electric induction cooktops has surged as an alternative to gas. Online retailer BigBasket reported that induction stove sales have increased nearly 30-fold compared to usual levels.

 

 

 

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