India, March 13 -- Concerns over LPG shortage amid the ongoing West Asia conflict are rippling across several Indian cities, raising worry about a wider supply crunch. Even as the government has cautioned people against panic causing rumors and urged calm, irregular supplies and a rise in prices of both domestic and commercial LPG have prompted households and businesses to look for alternatives fearing the shortage would grow.

In Delhi, community kitchens such as langars and Atal canteens are cutting menu options. Mess operators in student areas of Pune report irregular cylinder availability and rising costs, while in Bengaluru auto-rickshaw drivers using LPG say sudden price increases have added to their expenses.

The shortage is linke...