India on Tuesday announced stricter controls on natural gas and cooking fuel following disruptions in imports caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East, prompting concerns from restaurants about potential closures.
The Ministry of Petroleum said the measures aim to “ensure equitable distribution and continued availability for priority sectors,” after shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the Strait of Hormuz were interrupted.
As the world’s fourth-largest LNG buyer and the second-largest buyer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking, India relies heavily on Middle Eastern imports.
The ministry stated that supplies would now be prioritised for households, transportation, and LPG production.
Other sectors, such as fertiliser plants and tea processing industries, will receive only 70-80 per cent of their usual gas allocations, depending on operational availability.
Petrochemical facilities and power plants may face partial or full curtailment of supplies to manage the shortfall.
Industry representatives warned of immediate impacts. Several ceramic and tile manufacturers reported cuts in gas deliveries that could disrupt production schedules.
Meanwhile, restaurants and hotels across India expressed alarm over potential operational shutdowns.
The National Restaurant Association of India said that commercial LPG suppliers have indicated they may stop deliveries to eateries entirely.
PC Rao, head of a hotel association in Bengaluru, described the situation as “dire,” noting that smaller restaurants have only one to two days of LPG stock remaining, while larger establishments may last about ten days.
He added that many businesses are now forced to alter or restrict menus in anticipation of fuel shortages, highlighting the widespread impact on the country’s food and hospitality sector.
