People rushed to refill LPG cylinders after reports emerged that several hotels and restaurants might shut their kitchens due to a shortage of commercial gas cylinders. The LPG cylinder shortage in India (March 2026) is primarily driven by severe disruptions in imports from the Middle East, with 60% of the supply threatened by conflict-induced shipping delays at the Strait of Hormuz. Escalating tensions in West Asia have caused significant logistical bottlenecks and soaring maritime costs, resulting in delays in supplies.