India Turns to Kerosene and Coal as Middle East Crisis Threatens LPG Supply
India is taking an unexpected step back in its energy history. To keep stoves burning in homes and restaurants, the government is temporarily reviving the use of older fuels like kerosene and coal. This move comes as rising tensions in the Middle East create major concerns over the supply of liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG.
LPG, commonly known as cooking gas in cylinders, is the primary fuel for hundreds of millions of Indian households. For years, the government has promoted its use to move families away from more polluting options. However, this modern system now faces a severe test due to geopolitical instability far from India’s shores.
The Chokepoint at the Strait of Hormuz
The core of the problem lies in a narrow waterway: the Strait of Hormuz. Located between Oman and Iran, this strait is a critical global energy artery. A massive portion of the world’s seaborne oil and gas, including LPG, passes through it from producers in the Persian Gulf.
India is particularly vulnerable because it imports over half of its LPG needs. Most of these imports come from Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Any disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz directly threatens the steady flow of gas cylinders to Indian consumers and businesses.
A Temporary Shift to Alternate Fuels
With supply chains under strain, Indian authorities are activating contingency plans. The focus is on ensuring that commercial users, like large restaurants, food processing units, and hostels, can continue operations. These entities are being encouraged to temporarily switch from LPG to other available fuels.
This is where kerosene and coal are making a comeback. While largely phased out in many urban areas, the infrastructure for these fuels still exists. Distributors are being asked to make kerosene more readily available. Similarly, industries that can use coal are being directed to do so to free up LPG for household use. The goal is to manage the shortage while new LPG cargoes are arranged on alternative shipping routes, which may be longer and more expensive.
Implications for Consumers and Policy
For the average Indian family, this situation could lead to uncertainty and higher costs. If LPG supplies tighten significantly, waiting times for cylinder refills may increase. There is also a risk of prices rising due to increased shipping and insurance costs for vessels avoiding risky zones.
This crisis highlights a long-standing challenge for India: its heavy dependence on imported energy. The government’s push for renewable energy and domestic gas production is partly aimed at reducing this vulnerability. However, as the current situation shows, global events can quickly force difficult choices. The revival of kerosene and coal, even as a stopgap measure, is a stark reminder of how fragile global energy logistics can be.
Investors watching India’s energy sector should note the increased focus on supply security. This event may accelerate investments in domestic natural gas infrastructure, bio-gas alternatives, and strategic fuel reserves. For now, the humble kerosene lamp and coal stove are serving as unexpected backups in a modern energy crisis.
