India Grapples with LPG Shortage Amid West Asia Conflict: Households Pivot to Induction as Authorities Warn Against Hoarding

India Grapples with LPG Shortage Amid West Asia Conflict: Households Pivot to Induction as Authorities Warn Against Hoarding

As panic buying increases, legal experts are reminding citizens of the strict regulations regarding the storage of LPG cylinders.

RMN News Consumer Desk
New Delhi | March 12, 2026

NEW DELHI — The escalating conflict in West Asia has sent shockwaves through Indian kitchens, leading to widespread LPG cylinder shortages and sharp price hikes. As supply routes face disruption, many households are exploring electric induction cooking as a cost-effective alternative, while authorities have issued strict warnings regarding the legal limits of storing gas cylinders at home.

A Growing Supply Crisis

The ongoing war in West Asia has significantly impacted global energy supply chains, leaving several Indian cities—including Noida, Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru—facing irregular LPG deliveries and long queues at gas agencies. The shortage has forced some eateries to slash menus or face closure, while domestic consumers are grappling with a Rs 60 price hike, bringing the cost of a domestic cylinder to approximately Rs 913. Commercial cylinders have seen even steeper increases of Rs 115.

The crisis has been exacerbated by panic buying, prompting the central government to urge citizens not to hoard, promising to work toward ensuring 100% domestic supply despite the global instability.

Induction vs. LPG: The Cost of Cooking

With LPG prices rising and supply becoming uncertain, many families are switching to induction cooktops. According to the sources, induction cooking is often more efficient and cheaper in the long run.

• Efficiency: Traditional gas stoves are only about 55% efficient, with nearly half the heat lost to the surrounding air. In contrast, induction technology uses magnetic fields to heat cookware directly, making it significantly more energy-efficient.
• Monthly Savings: For a typical urban household cooking 2–3 hours daily, switching to induction can save between Rs 180 and Rs 1,098 per month, depending on local electricity tariffs.
• Long-term Costs: A study by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis suggests that non-subsidised LPG can be 37% more expensive than electric cooking.

However, the sources note that LPG remains the preferred choice for many due to the unreliability of electricity in areas with frequent power cuts and the specific requirements of Indian cooking styles, such as making rotis or tadka. Additionally, induction requires specific magnetic-base cookware and an initial investment of Rs 2,000–Rs 4,000 for the cooktop itself.

Legal Warning: Strict Limits on Cylinder Storage

As panic buying increases, legal experts are reminding citizens of the strict regulations regarding the storage of LPG cylinders. Under the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, a domestic household is generally permitted to keep only two 14.2 kg cylinders at a time—one for active use and one as a spare.

Storing more than two cylinders can be classified as illegal hoarding under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Because LPG is a highly flammable substance, unlicensed storage of large quantities poses significant safety risks.

Penalties for violating these rules are severe and can include:

• Imprisonment: Ranging from three months to seven years.
• Fines: Heavy monetary penalties depending on the severity of the offense.
• Seizure: Authorities have the power to seize excess stock and cancel distributor dealerships if they are found to be facilitating black marketing.

Authorities have signaled that they may increase inspections and tighten distribution controls to prevent artificial scarcity and ensure equitable access for all consumers during this period of disruption.