The ripple effects of the Israel-Iran conflict have reached the Indian kitchen. With global supply chains disrupted and the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked for energy shipments, India is facing a severe shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). In a strategic but desperate move to ensure energy security, the Central Government has decided to reintroduce Kerosene as a primary alternative for domestic and commercial cooking.

The Return of the ‘Blue Oil’: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has authorized an emergency allocation of an additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to various states. This fuel will be distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and fair-price shops. For over a decade, India had been phasing out kerosene in favor of cleaner LPG under the Ujjwala scheme. However, the current “war-time” exigency has forced a temporary reversal of this policy to prevent a total shutdown of domestic kitchens.

Demand Triggers Price Hike: As news of the LPG shortage spread, the demand for kerosene and coal surged overnight. This sudden spike in demand has led to a sharp increase in retail prices. While the government aims to provide subsidized kerosene through ration shops, the black market rates have already begun to climb. In several cities, consumers are reporting that even coal prices have jumped by 15-20% as restaurants and small eateries scramble to sustain their operations.

Tough Times for Consumers: With domestic LPG cylinder prices having already seen a ₹60 hike this March, the added cost of alternative fuels is putting a massive strain on household budgets. The government has also limited commercial LPG supply to 20% of the average monthly requirement, forcing the hospitality sector to revert to traditional fuel systems like biomass and coal. While officials maintain that these are “temporary measures,” the common man is left struggling between an unavailable gas cylinder and an increasingly expensive liter of kerosene.