India Faces Surge in LPG Demand Amid Middle East Conflict

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, India is witnessing a significant rise in cooking gas demand, with daily bookings soaring from 5.5 million to over 7.5 million cylinders. Government officials attribute this surge to public panic rather than an actual shortage, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary bookings. The government has increased domestic production by 30% and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure a steady supply. Despite concerns about global energy markets, officials assert that there is no immediate threat to India's energy supply. Read on to learn more about the implications of this situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 20:28 IST

Rising Demand for Cooking Gas in India

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is beginning to impact India, as there has been a notable increase in the demand for cooking gas. Citizens are booking significantly more gas cylinders than usual, prompting government officials to clarify that this surge is primarily due to panic rather than an actual shortage.

According to the Joint Secretary of the Petroleum Ministry, Sujata Sharma, prior to the outbreak of war, approximately 5.5 million gas cylinders were booked daily in India. Recently, this figure has escalated to over 7.5 million per day. Sharma emphasized that this increase reflects the additional bookings made out of public anxiety.

She urged the public to disregard rumors and avoid unnecessary bookings. The government is actively taking measures to ensure a steady supply of cooking gas across the country.

Notably, the government has ramped up domestic cooking gas production by about 30%. Currently, all gas produced is being allocated to domestic consumers to prevent any disruptions.

India has historically relied on imports for a significant portion of its cooking gas needs, with around 60% of the requirement being met through foreign sources. Approximately 90% of this supply has traditionally passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, recent tensions in the region have adversely affected this maritime route, which connects the Gulf region to the Arabian Sea and is crucial for global oil and gas transportation. Reports have emerged of tankers being targeted since the conflict began, increasing pressure on international supply chains.

In response to this situation, the Indian government has instructed an increase in domestic production and established a special committee to monitor gas availability and distribution. This committee is tasked with keeping a close watch on the situation and exploring alternative supply routes if necessary.

Officials have stated that there are currently no significant concerns regarding crude oil supplies. India now imports crude oil from around 40 countries, and the incoming supply is reported to exceed daily requirements.

On another note, Iran has denied reports claiming that it has allowed Indian-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have stated that such claims are unfounded.

Experts warn that prolonged tensions in the Middle East could impact the global energy market. Nevertheless, the government maintains that there is no cause for alarm regarding the supply of cooking gas and energy in the country.