The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is starting to affect LPG supplies, and the impact is now being felt in India.
Reports suggest that the shortage is beginning to disrupt daily operations in hotels, restaurants, and small eateries, many of which rely heavily on LPG for cooking.
Due to limited supply, several establishments are being forced to reduce menu options or shift to alternative cooking fuels to keep their kitchens running.
LPG Shortage Could Affect Food Services on Trains
The shortage is now reaching India’s railway system as well.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, which manages food services on trains, may soon face difficulties in preparing meals.
Because of the LPG supply disruption, Indian Railways is reportedly considering temporarily suspending cooked meal services on some trains.
If this happens, passengers who pre-booked meals while booking their tickets may receive refunds.
Travellers on long journeys may also need to carry their own food if cooked meals are unavailable onboard.
IRCTC Asks Vendors to Use Alternative Cooking Methods
To deal with the shortage, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation has asked its vendors and licensees to shift to alternative cooking methods.
Food vendors at railway stations have been advised to use microwave ovens and electric induction systems wherever possible.
They have also been asked to activate contingency plans to keep food services running with minimal disruption.
This instruction applies to food plazas, refreshment rooms, and Jan Aahar outlets operating at railway stations across the country.
Railway officials say the shortage is already affecting IRCTC’s base kitchens, where meals are prepared before being loaded onto trains.
Pantry cars mainly distribute and reheat food and usually do not carry LPG cylinders, but delays in meal preparation at base kitchens can still disrupt onboard catering.
Nearly 17 Lakh Meals Served Daily by IRCTC
According to officials, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation serves around 17 lakh meals every day across India through its network of base kitchens and catering services on trains.
Nearly 20 percent of these meals are served in the western region, making it particularly vulnerable if the LPG shortage continues.
Railway officials say the situation has already become serious and may worsen in the coming days if supply issues persist.
Middle East Tensions Behind the Supply Concerns
The shortage comes amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, which has raised concerns about global energy supplies.
One of the biggest concerns is the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply passes.
If shipping through this route is disrupted, it can quickly affect global energy markets and push up fuel prices.
To manage potential disruptions, two major pipelines in the Gulf provide alternative routes:
Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, which transports crude oil to the Red Sea port of Yanbu
The Habshan–Fujairah pipeline in the United Arab Emirates, which carries crude from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman
Any disruption to these energy routes could lead to higher fuel prices and supply shortages, which may continue to affect sectors such as transportation, hospitality, and railway catering in the coming weeks.
