The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has begun to ripple through India’s domestic supply chains, with cities like Surat and Vadodara in Gujarat now facing a significant shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. Hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other food businesses are bearing the brunt of the disruption as supplies continue to dwindle.
Middle East War Disrupts Global Gas Supply Chain
According to available information, the war between Iran and Israel has created serious bottlenecks in the international gas supply chain, directly impacting both traders and households. The conflict has interrupted the flow of LPG at a global level, and its effects are now being felt acutely by businesses on the ground in Gujarat. In response to an earlier shortage affecting industrial gas supply, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) had issued a circular granting temporary permission to use approved liquid fuel as an alternative.
10 to 15-Day Waiting Period for Commercial Cylinders in Surat
Surat, which has approximately 67 commercial gas distributors, is currently experiencing severe supply constraints. Gas agency operators in the city say customers are now facing a waiting period of 10 to 15 days just to receive a commercial cylinder. The direct impact of the ongoing war on the supply chain has left numerous business owners deeply concerned about their day-to-day operations.
Vadodara Faces Demand Far Exceeding Supply
The situation in Vadodara is equally pressing. According to the city’s Distributor Association, the daily requirement of commercial LPG cylinders in Vadodara stands at around 14,000 units but current inquiries have surged to 20,000 per day. With 36 distributors operating across the city, the widening gap between demand and supply is the root cause of the ongoing crisis. Officials note that people are placing advance orders in anticipation of further shortages, which is further straining an already stretched supply network.