India faces a looming cooking gas shortage as war traps liquefied petroleum gas cargoes in the Persian Gulf, threatening tens of millions of households and deepening an energy crisis that could drive up inflation. While India is the world's second-largest LPG buyer and sources over 90% of its supply from the Middle East, the current conflict has disrupted shipments, with cargoes due in March needing to move within days to avert disaster, according to industry sources. 90% of India's LPG comes from the Gulf, making it highly vulnerable to regional instability.

India has sought to reduce its dependence through a long-term US deal, but those volumes remain marginal and costlier, with US shipments not arriving until April. 50% of Petronet LNG's Qatari supplies face force majeure due to freight rate surges, cutting flows to clients. With nearly eight weeks of crude and product stocks, India may avoid immediate oil shortages, but prolonged Gulf blockage could force supply rationing and export halts.

Government contingency plans include tapping Russian cargoes in Indian waters and securing alternative supplies, though experts warn these remain limited. The crisis underscores India's energy vulnerability and could pressure policymakers to accelerate diversification efforts.