The ongoing conflict in West Asia (US/Israel-Iran tensions) has caused significant disruptions in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply chains, causing cascading effects on public services and commercial establishments across India as of mid-March 2026. West Asia crisis: Pune gas crematoriums shut temporarily electric crematoriums and wood-fired facilities will continue to function use cooking fuel judiciously, consumers told hoteliers in tamil nadu fear distributors may cite shortages to divert supplies to the black market or increase prices, raising operating costs for restaurants and hotels industry source said single bottle domestic consumers will be allowed to make fresh bookings only after 21 days from the date of last booking and those with double bottles can book only after 30 days.
With restrictions placed on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies for both domestic and commercial consumers from Thursday night (March 5, 2026), the public has been advised to use the fuel in a wise manner. No Eid celebrations for Shias in MP in the wake of Khamenei’s death in the Iran-Iraq War
“Around 4,000 Shia families are living in Madhya Pradesh. We will not wear new clothes or celebrate Eid this year as we are saddened by Khamenei’s death. We will only offer namaz,” says All India Shia Samaj State president Id-ul-Fitr is a significant festival for Muslims across the world, celebrated with fervour. Id marks the end of the holy month of Ramzan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Hijri calendar, when it is believed that the Koran was revealed to the Prophet. A month where Muslims observe a fast from dawn to dusk and spend the time in prayer, inner reflection and carrying out charitable deeds, said Prof. Kumool Abbi. Id falls on the first date of the 10th Shawwal of the Islamic calendar, the actual date varying with the sighting of the new moon. The meaning of Id-ul-Fitr is breaking of the fast or the end of the Roza. The festival of Id commemorates the Prophet’s triumph in the battle of Badr. He himself commemorated the festival after his migration from Mecca to Medina. The day of Id begins with participating in Id prayers salat, held in open congregations just after dawn. As they proceed for the prayers, Muslims recite Takbeerat in praise of Allah. A mandatory charity, known as Zakat Al Fitr, is collected before the prayer begins and distributed and shared with the poor. The sermon seeks the benign blessings of Allah, appeals for mercy and forgiveness, while spreading the message of peace, brotherhood and harmony. Mojtaba Khamenei | The cleric with a gun wounded man who lost his parents and wife, and was elected the ‘Supreme Leader’ of a nation under attack from the world’s most powerful country and its closest ally, the ayatollah now faces a rare crisis his predecessors never confronted — to survive the storm and preserve the republic selection is historic as Iran’s establishment has long rejected the idea of hereditary succession from father to son consensus reached on Iran’s next Supreme Leader. On Saturday (March 7, 2026), a senior cleric in the Assembly of Experts said its members would meet “within one day” to choose the leader hold images of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after he was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes on Saturday, during an anti-Israeli and U.S. rally.
How succession works in Iran and who will be the country’s next supreme leader?An 88-member panel called the Assembly of Experts appoints the supreme leader. The panel can remove one as well, although that has never happened react as they gather at the Enghelab Square, after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes in Tehran, on March 1, 2026. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader dead at 86 as Israel-Iran conflict spirals.
Council of Iranian President, Head of the Judiciary, and one of the jurists of the Guardian Council are to temporarily assume duties of leadership in Iran, according to the IRNA news agency. In Tehran’s Ebrat Museum, once a notorious prison for political detainees under the Shah, a narrow corridor is lined with photographs of former inmates. Among them, in a brown wooden frame, is the image of a middle-aged man with a bearded face and thick rectangular glasses. The name beneath, written in Farsi, reads: Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Preserved by the revolutionary regime as a grim reminder of the brutality of the Shah’s secret police, SAVAK, Ebrat displays torture chambers and documents torture methods. One tiny, dimly lit cell, with a single barred window, has been left intact – it is where Mr. Khamenei was held. Inside stands a life-size wax figure of the Ayatollah, older than he appears in the photograph. Dressed in a black turban, which suggests lineage to the Prophet Mohammed, round spectacles, and a brown robe, the statue evokes both suffering and resolve. “Khamenei was imprisoned six times by the Shah’s police. Trump says Khamenei killed in massive U.S. and Israeli attack
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier told NBC News that Mr. Khamenei was alive “as far as I know”, adding that “all high-ranking officials are alive” A man displays a portrait of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as supporters of Iraqi Shi’ite armed groups gather to show support for Iran on the day the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, in Basra, Iraq, on February 28, 2026.
A clerical council selects a new supreme leader
An 88-member panel called the Assembly of Experts appoints the supreme leader. The panel can remove one as well, although that has never happened. Iran-Israel conflict March 1 highlights: Iran media reports Israeli strikes hit hospital in Tehran; U.S. says headquarters of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards destroyed by U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to avenge the deaths of three U.S. troops; an Iranian missile strike in the Israeli town of Beit Shemesh has killed several people, Israeli first responders say smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, on March 1, 2026.
At least nine killed, 11 missing after Iran missile attack on Israel rescue teams continued searching for survivors beneath the debris emergency personnel work at the site of an Iranian strike, after Iran launched missile barrages following attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Saturday, in Beit Shemesh, Israel March 1, 2026.
An Iranian missile attack on Sunday (March 1, 2026) in the central Israeli city of Beit Shemesh killed at least nine people and left 11 missing, police said, in the deadliest strike in the country since the war began. “So far, more than 45 injured people in varying degrees of severity have been evacuated, and the bodies of nine fatalities have been recovered,” police said in a statement. “At this time, there are 11 missing persons with whom contact has not yet been established,” the statement said, adding that search operations were ongoing. Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency services also said EMTs and paramedics had pronounced nine people dead. Dozens of Israeli rescue personnel were deployed to the site of the impact, and an AFP photographer saw teams removing a body from the rubble of the building that bore the brunt of the missile strike. “They are bringing all kinds of equipment to try to locate people,” said another AFP photographer at the scene of the attack. “Apparently, there are still people underneath,” he added, as rescue teams continued their search. The U.S. and Israel launched a wave of strikes against Iran on Saturday (February 28, 2026), killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and sparking a rapid retaliation from Tehran which continued into Sunday (March 1, 2026). During the previous 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June, nine people were killed in an Iranian missile strike in the city of Bat Yam, close to Tel Aviv.
Photographs from Beit Shemesh on Sunday (March 1, 2026) showed a house destroyed by the blast, its roof reduced to mangled concrete and twisted iron bars.
“When I arrived, I saw a terrible scene,” Yehuda Shlomo, an MDA paramedic, said in a statement.
“I saw heavy structural damage, smoke in the air, and a great deal of chaos, with dozens of frightened casualties emerging from damaged buildings.” Another 28 were injured, they added. Responding to the Iranian attack on army bases in Gulf countries, France, Germany and the U.K. said on Sunday (March 1, 2026) they were ready to defend their interests and those of its allies in the Gulf if necessary by taking “defensive action” against Iran. The interim council, which will also include the President and the head of the judiciary, will lead the country until the Assembly of Experts “elects a permanent leader as soon as possible”. Iran vows revenge for killing of supreme leader Khamenei; President says new leadership council ‘has begun work’ pezeshkian said that the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli strikes was a “declaration of war against Muslims” File photo of Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian.
- Pune Crematoriums Affected: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) temporarily closed its gas-based crematoriums—approximately 18 facilities—starting March 5-9, 2026. This move follows a central government directive to prioritize LPG for domestic use, causing a shortage of propane and butane for non-domestic purposes. Electric and wood-fired facilities remain operational to ensure services.
- Hotel Industry Risk: A severe commercial LPG shortage is impacting the hospitality sector, with hotels and restaurants in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai facing potential shutdowns or reduced operations.
- Impact on Hospitality: In Bengaluru, many hotels and restaurants reported a halt in gas supply starting March 10, 2026, forcing some to close. In Mumbai, an estimated 20% of eateries had closed, with up to 50% at risk, according to industry reports.
- Menu and Operation Changes: Hotels in Pune and other cities are reducing operating hours, changing menus, and adopting alternative cooking methods (like induction) to cope with the, at times, 114.5 Rs increase in commercial cylinder costs.
- Wider Economic Impact: The supply crisis is impacting 75% of the food service industry, with potential daily economic losses estimated between ₹1,200 and ₹1,300 crore.
West Asia crisis: Pune gas crematoriums shut temporarily amid LPG restrictions gas crematoriums are temporarily shut. This follows restrictions on LPG components like propane and butane. The ongoing West Asia conflict has disrupted oil and natural gas exports. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas ordered prioritization for domestic LPG supply. Electric and wood-fired crematoriums remain operational to serve the public.
In view of the resulting gas shortage, the Pune Municipal Corporation has decided to keep its gas crematoriums closed from March 5 until further orders, a civic official said on Sunday.
To avoid inconvenience to people, electric crematoriums and wood-fired facilities equipped with air pollution control systems will continue to function, the official added. At the Vaikunth crematorium in the city, three gas-fired furnaces will remain shut temporarily, while five electric furnaces at the facility will remain operational for public use, the civic body said. Despite the shortage, the government has prioritized domestic, household LPG supply, and officials have stated that alternative methods (electric/wood) will prevent a complete halt in cremation services. News Network, New Delhi. The effects of the war in West Asia are now being felt in India. In some places, the supply of commercial gas cylinders is being disrupted, and in others, gas-based crematoriums have been temporarily closed.
The escalating conflict in West Asia (Iran-Israel-US), which intensified around late February/early March 2026, has significantly disrupted India’s energy supply chains, causing noticeable shortages in commercial LPG cylinders and prompting the suspension of gas-based crematoriums in some areas. Pune gas crematoriums shut amid LPG prioritisation (Maharashtra
The gas-based crematorium furnaces operated by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in Pune will be temporarily closed following directives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This decision comes as the ministry has prioritised propane and butane supplies for domestic LPG consumption due to a crisis in the Middle East.
According to a press release from the civic body, the ministry, under the Government of India, directed on March 5, 2026, that the available propane and butane across the country be primarily allocated for household LPG supply.
As a result of this supply shortage, the PMC has decided to suspend operations of gas-based cremation furnaces in Pune from March 5 until further notice.
The decision comes amid concerns over energy supplies linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has impacted global fuel logistics and availability.
However, to ensure that citizens are not inconvenienced, the civic body has clarified that alternative cremation facilities will continue to operate. Specifically, at the Vaikunth Crematorium, the three gas-based cremation furnaces will be temporarily shut down, but five electric cremation furnaces at the facility will remain operational for public use.
The PMC also stated that electric crematoriums and systems equipped with Air Pollution Control (APC) technology will continue to function throughout the city. The PMC urges residents to take note of these changes and to cooperate with municipal administration during the temporary suspension of gas-based cremation services. The escalating conflict in West Asia (Iran-Israel-US), which intensified around late February/early March 2026, has significantly disrupted India’s energy supply chains, causing noticeable shortages in commercial LPG cylinders and prompting the suspension of gas-based crematoriums in some areas.
Key Impacts in India (As of March 12-15, 2026):
- Commercial LPG Shortages: The supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been severely hit, affecting hotels, restaurants, and small businesses in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhopal, and Chennai. Restaurants have been forced to trim menus, increase prices, or switch to induction/firewood to operate.
- Gas Crematorium Closures: Gas-based crematoriums in Pune were closed starting around March 5, 2026, following a Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directive to prioritize household LPG supply. Alternative electric and wood-fired facilities were tasked with managing the load.
- Panic Buying & Disruptions: Reports from across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, showed long queues outside gas agencies and panic buying, leading to a surge in booking times.
- Industrial Impact: The industrial belt in Pimpri-Chinchwad (Pune) saw a severe hit, with thousands of micro and small factories on the brink of closure due to lack of industrial gas/LPG.
Government Response:
- Prioritization: The government has prioritized household cooking gas over commercial use, invoking the Essential Commodities Act to regulate supply.
- Boosting Production: Refineries have been directed to increase LPG production, resulting in a reported 25% increase in domestic output.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to many shippers, the Indian government secured the safe passage of LPG tankers, with ships expected to bring in supplies to ease the crunch.
NEW DELHI: Fears of LPG shortage have begun spreading across the country as the escalating conflict in Middle East disrupts global energy supply chains.The closure of the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian retaliation against US–Israel strikes has triggered panic buying, long queues at LPG agencies and petrol pumps, and forced restaurants and small businesses to switch to alternative cooking methods. While the centre has assured that domestic LPG supplies remain adequate, disruptions in commercial cylinder distribution and reports of shortages have created anxiety across multiple states.
Panic buying, long queues in West Bengal
Scenes of long queues outside LPG agencies and fuel stations were reported from many parts of the country as consumers rushed to secure cooking gas and fuel.In Kolkata and several districts of West Bengal, auto-rickshaw drivers and domestic consumers were seen waiting for hours at LPG dispensing stations and gas agencies. Some drivers said they waiting since the previous night to refill their cylinders. LPG and oil crisis updates on March 14, 2026: Commercial LPG sales start in all States and UTs, says Oil Ministry official Shipping Ministry said that two India-bound tankers carrying LPG from the Gulf countries crossed Strait of Hormuz
A tea stall in Hyderabad displays a notice on revised prices for tea and coffee on March 14, 2026. Commercial LPG cylinder distribution has begun in all States and Union Territories, while authorities have stepped up raids and surprise inspections across the country to curb hoarding and black-marketing amid heightened pressure on cooking gas supplies, a senior oil ministry official said on Saturday (March 14, 2026). Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said panic booking continues to rise despite the fact that there are enough stocks available to meet domestic household requirements of cooking gas LPG. The Government has also asked OMCs to launch a campaign promoting digital booking of LPG refills and spreading awareness to prevent panic buying. Two Indian vessels carrying LPG cross Strait of Hormuz safely: Shipping Ministry official
Shivalik is expected to reach Mundra Port on March 16, while Nanda Devi is expected to reach Kandla Port on March 17 An LPG gas tanker at anchor as traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Shinas, Oman.
Two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, owned by the Shipping Corporation of India, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are headed to India, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Shipping and Waterways, told reporters at an inter-ministerial briefing here Friday (March 14, 2026). IndiGo to levy fuel charge for domestic and international flights from March 14 IndiGo said it would continue to monitor the situation and make relevant adjustments as and when appropriate.
An IndiGo Airlines aircraft flies low as it prepares to land in Mumbai, India, October 22, 2025. IndiGo will start levying fuel charges ranging from ₹425 to ₹2,300 on domestic and international flight tickets from March 14 amid the steep surge in jet fuel prices due to the West Asia crisis. The decision will affect the airfares and comes three days after Air India Group announced the introduction of such charges. For domestic flights and those within the Indian subcontinent, the fuel charge will be ₹425, while for Middle East services it will be ₹900, the airline said in a statement on Friday (March 13, 2026). The fuel charge will be ₹1,800 for South East Asia, China, and Africa flights, and ₹2,300 for Europe flights.
Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) accounts for nearly 40% of an airline’s operational costs.
For each domestic flight, the fuel surcharge announced by IndiGo is higher compared to the ₹399 being levied by Air India and Air India Express. Akasa Air and SpiceJet have not announced the levying of fuel charges so far. While announcing the introduction of the fuel charge, the airline said the measure has been taken due to the significant surge in fuel prices, following the ongoing geopolitical issues in West Asia.
“While offsetting the entire impact of this fuel price surge requires a very substantial adjustment to fares, IndiGo has introduced a relatively smaller amount as a fuel charge, keeping in mind the consequential burden on customers,” the airline said. While announcing the introduction of the fuel charge, the airline said the measure has been taken due to the significant surge in fuel prices, following the ongoing geopolitical issues in West Asia.
“While offsetting the entire impact of this fuel price surge requires a very substantial adjustment to fares, IndiGo has introduced a relatively smaller amount as a fuel charge, keeping in mind the consequential burden on customers,” the airline said. While regretting the inconvenience resulting from the fuel charge, IndiGo said it would continue to monitor the situation and make relevant adjustments as and when appropriate.
On March 10, Air India and Air India Express announced that they would levy a fuel charge of ₹399 on each domestic flight ticket from March 12 and also hiked the charge for international bookings due to a steep rise in jet fuel prices. The revised rates came into effect from March 12.
