Global Cooking Gas Shortage Worsens as US-Iran Conflict Disrupts Maritime Routes

A global cooking gas crisis is unfolding as the US-Iran conflict disrupts maritime energy routes, leading to a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas in Asia and Africa.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil shipments, has been near-closed due to the ongoing conflict, causing prices to skyrocket. In India, which imports 60% of its LPG through this route, residents are paying up to 3,000 rupees (KES 4,600) per cylinder on the black market, a massive increase from the pre-war price of 1,000 rupees (KES 1,500).

The Indian government has responded by mandating higher ethanol blends in domestic gasoline to stretch fuel supplies. However, this move is causing vehicle mileage to plummet, and panic buying has led to hours-long queues, prompting the government to invoke the Essential Commodities Act to stabilize distribution.