The U.S.-Israel war with Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a severe liquefied petroleum gas shortage that affects cooking for millions in Asia and Africa. In India, households like driver Subhash Kapoor's are turning to black markets amid skyrocketing prices. Restaurants and institutions are altering menus or closing as supplies dwindle.
Subhash Kapoor, a driver in Noida near New Delhi, had no trouble obtaining LPG cylinders until early March. He typically pays 900 rupees ($10) for one that lasts his family of five about 40 days. But as the war escalated and Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for LPG imports—shortages hit India hard. Kapoor received a text claiming he had collected his March allotment, which he hadn't, forcing him to buy from the black market at 3,600 rupees ($39) three weeks ago. He told Grist, “I had no issues getting a cylinder in January. I thought the cylinders were easily available. Whenever I called, they would send them home.” India relies on imports for 60% of its LPG, with 90% from the Middle East, making it the world's second-largest importer. Black market prices in Delhi surged 600%, with people queuing for days. Restaurants have removed gas-intensive dishes like butter chicken and dosa, while Mumbai street vendors hide cylinders or shut down. Hospitals, schools, and corporate kitchens report shortfalls, and some university students now cook in dorms. Induction stoves, costing $20 to $30, are selling out for those with electricity, but rural poor revert to wood and coal, economist Dawit Guta of the University of Northern British Columbia noted: “Rural areas, they don’t have any other option. This is the biggest challenge the sector is facing.” Chelsea Marcho of the Food Security Leadership Council warned of health risks from indoor pollution and shifting diets toward quicker foods, potentially skipping meals. The crisis extends to manufacturers and links to rising fertilizer and shipping costs. Experts like Cornell's Chris Barrett predict similar issues in Thailand, Pakistan, and African nations such as Senegal and Zimbabwe, with global food prices up in March per the UN's FAO. President Donald Trump said in a Wednesday address that talks with Iran continue but vowed intense strikes: “We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.” Iran denies direct discussions.
