India, April 7 -- India's ongoing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) crisis has exposed the vulnerability of the country's cooking fuel supply chain, prompting renewed calls for diversification and a stronger push toward domestic alternatives such as ethanol. The disruption stems largely from geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly the conflict involving Iran, which has slowed shipments passing through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The narrow maritime corridor handles a major share of India's LPG imports from Gulf nations, and delays there have triggered shortages and price increases across the country.

Supply Disruptions Hit Households and Businesses

India consumes roughly 31-32 million tonnes of LPG annually, with abou...