Women protest LPG shortage in Delhi

Members of the women's wing of India’s main opposition party staged protests in New Delhi over a tightening supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), accusing the government of failing to secure adequate stocks amid energy disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Demonstrators marched with placards and chanted slogans targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging the shortage has created widespread “chaos” and hurt households and institutions that depend on LPG for cooking.

Government officials said alternative supplies are being arranged and that two LNG cargoes are en route. The federal oil ministry’s joint secretary said domestic LPG output has risen about 25% after an order directing refiners to maximize cooking-gas production. Authorities contend they are seeking crude and LNG from other sources and working to stabilize supplies.

Despite official reassurances, canteens, hostels and restaurants report persistent tightness, prompting menu simplifications and measures to conserve fuel. India, a major LPG importer, has resorted to emergency powers to boost refinery output as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf faces disruption amid the regional war, intensifying import vulnerabilities.

Opposition leaders warned that prolonged shortages could ripple through power, fertiliser and industrial sectors and squeeze households, pressuring economic activity. The protests underscored political sensitivity around energy security and prompted calls for transparency on procurement strategies. Analysts say short‑term relief depends on timely arrivals of alternative cargoes, while longer‑term resilience will require diversifying sources, boosting domestic production and expanding cleaner-energy alternatives to reduce import dependence.

The anxiety follows Qatar’s decision last week to halt production after Iran launched strikes on Gulf countries following Israeli and U.S. attacks. Qatar is India’s biggest supplier of liquefied natural gas, and the disruption has raised alarms over potential spillover effects on domestic fuel availability.

To mitigate the crisis, India invoked emergency powers and directed refiners to maximise LPG production to prevent a shortage of the essential cooking fuel.