LPG Crisis Grips India: Restaurants, Autos, Laundromats Face Shutdown Threat

• India faces a severe LPG shortage due to the Strait of Hormuz closure amid the West Asia war, impacting over 80% of its LPG imports.
• Government's prioritization of domestic cooking gas has led to a critical scarcity of commercial LPG for businesses.
• Restaurants, hotels, laundromats, and autorickshaws in major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are severely affected, with many fearing closures.
• Businesses are resorting to crisis menus, alternative cooking methods, and anticipate a 20-30% hike in menu prices by April.
• State governments and industry bodies are urging central intervention, while the Centre has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to ensure equitable distribution.