Published: 10 March 2026CNNEconomy
India Faces Acute LPG Shortage as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Disrupts 90% of Imports
India faced an acute LPG shortage in March 2026 as the Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupted approximately 90% of incoming LPG cargoes. As the world's second-largest LPG importer, India imports about 85% of its LPG from the Middle East. Long queues were seen at gas agencies across the country.
The government diverted LPG from industrial users (hotels, restaurants, canteens) to prioritise household cooking fuel supply. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held three rounds of talks with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on maritime safety and energy security. PM Modi spoke with Gulf leaders to stress dialogue and civilian safety. Restaurants began cutting menu offerings and food processing factories suspended production.
0Mains angle
Q: Discuss how the Strait of Hormuz crisis exposed the vulnerabilities of India's LPG import dependence and the policy response.
Answer (50 words):
India confronted acute LPG shortages in March 2026 as the Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupted nearly 90 percent of cargoes. As the world's second-largest LPG importer sourcing 85 percent from West Asia, the government diverted industrial supplies to households. Jaishankar held three rounds of talks with Iran on energy security.
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Linked questionMedium
India, facing an acute LPG shortage in March 2026 due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, imports approximately what percentage of its LPG from the Middle East?
Explanation · Correct answer BIndia, the world's second-largest LPG importer, imports about 85% of its LPG from the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupted approximately 90% of incoming LPG cargoes in March 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Why did India face an acute LPG shortage in March 2026 and what percentage of imports were disrupted?
India faced an **acute LPG shortage in March 2026** as the **Strait of Hormuz crisis** disrupted approximately **90% of incoming LPG cargoes**. As the **world's second-largest LPG importer**, India imports about **85% of its LPG from the Middle East**. Long queues were seen at gas agencies nationwide.
How did the Indian government respond to the LPG crisis caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade in 2026?
The Indian government responded to the **LPG crisis** by: (1) **Diverting LPG from industrial users** (hotels, restaurants, canteens) to prioritise **household cooking fuel**; (2) **EAM S. Jaishankar** held **three rounds of talks** with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi on maritime safety; (3) **PM Modi** spoke with **Gulf leaders** to stress dialogue and civilian safety.
What is India's rank as an LPG importer globally and how much does it import from the Middle East?
India is the **world's second-largest LPG importer**, importing about **85% of its LPG from the Middle East**. When the **Strait of Hormuz crisis** in March 2026 disrupted **90% of incoming LPG cargoes**, India faced acute shortages. **EAM Jaishankar** held three rounds of talks with Iran, and **PM Modi** spoke with Gulf leaders.
How many rounds of talks did EAM Jaishankar hold with Iran's FM Abbas Araghchi during the March 2026 LPG crisis?
**External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar** held **three rounds of talks** with **Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi** on **maritime safety and energy security** during the **March 2026 LPG crisis**. The crisis arose from the **Strait of Hormuz blockade** that disrupted **90% of India's LPG imports**. **PM Modi** also spoke with Gulf leaders.
What impact did the March 2026 LPG shortage have on restaurants and food processing industries in India?
The **March 2026 LPG shortage** (caused by the Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupting **90% of LPG cargoes**) led to: **restaurants cutting menu offerings** and **food processing factories suspending production**. The government **diverted LPG from industrial users** to prioritise households, and **EAM Jaishankar** held three rounds of talks with Iran.
