The Iran war has triggered an LPG supply crunch in India, forcing restaurants in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata to shut or cut operations. The disruption is linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 85–90% of India’s LPG imports pass. India imports over 60% of its LPG needs, making supplies vulnerable to geopolitical shocks. Hotel bodies say commercial LPG supplies have nearly stopped in several cities, with many eateries running out of cylinders. In Mumbai, about 20% of restaurants have already shut. Many restaurants are reducing menus and operating hours as the government prioritises LPG supply for households and essential sectors. (PC: India Today)

A devastating missile strike destroyed the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, on February 28, 2026, killing more than 160 people, most of them schoolchildren. The attack occurred during the first day of the Iran war as students were attending classes. The explosion collapsed large sections of the building and trapped many children under the rubble. Iranian authorities blamed U.S. and Israeli strikes conducted near a nearby Revolutionary Guard naval base, while U.S. officials said the incident is under investigation. The tragedy triggered international outrage, with the United Nations and global organisations calling for an independent investigation into possible violations of humanitarian law.

Air India has announced a phased increase in fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights following a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. The spike in fuel costs is linked to supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions caused by the ongoing Iran-related conflict in West Asia. From March 12, passengers will pay a ₹399 surcharge on domestic and SAARC flights, while international routes will see different surcharge levels depending on distance and destination. Since fuel accounts for nearly 40% of airline operating expenses, the airline said the surcharge is necessary to manage rising operational costs. (PC: India Today)

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to build a major oil refinery in Brownsville, Texas, thanking India’s Reliance Industries for its investment support. The project, led by America First Refining, is expected to be the first new oil refinery built in the United States in nearly 50 years. Trump described the initiative as a historic deal worth up to $300 billion that will boost American energy production, strengthen national security, and create thousands of jobs. Located at the Port of Brownsville, the refinery will process American shale oil and supply fuel for domestic markets and exports, strengthening energy cooperation between the U.S. and India. (PC: AP)

The ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has intensified across the Gulf, with missile and drone attacks affecting several countries including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Air defence systems in the region intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones, while debris from interceptions caused injuries and damage in places like Dubai. Authorities reported hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting the UAE, most of which were destroyed mid-air. The conflict has disrupted international flights, forced airport closures, and left many travellers stranded. Regional governments have issued safety advisories while insisting they will defend their sovereignty amid escalating military tensions. (PC: Reuters)

India has purchased around 30 million barrels of Russian crude oil after the United States granted a temporary sanctions waiver, allowing Indian refiners to buy oil already loaded onto tankers. The move comes as the ongoing Middle East conflict has disrupted supplies from key Gulf producers and threatened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy trade. Indian companies, including major refiners, quickly bought available Russian cargoes to secure fuel supplies and stabilize the domestic market. The waiver, valid for about 30 days, is intended to ease global oil shortages and rising prices, though analysts say it offers only short-term relief for India’s energy needs. (PC: AP)

Explosions were reported in Tehran after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the day would see the “most intense” US strikes on Iran so far. Residents in the Iranian capital reported loud blasts overnight as air strikes continued. Videos shared online showed damage and people rushing away from strike areas. Hegseth said the United States was increasing pressure on Iran as the conflict continues. The White House said the war would not end until Iran’s “complete and unconditional surrender” and when President Donald Trump says US goals are met. Iran issued a warning in response. A senior Iranian security official wrote online, “Be careful, so that you won’t get eliminated.” (PC: BBC)

The White House said India was called a “good actor” because it had earlier stopped buying sanctioned Russian oil when asked by the US. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington temporarily allowed India to receive some Russian oil shipments as they were already on the way. “Our allies in India have been good actors and had previously stopped buying sanctioned Russian oil,” she said. Leavitt added the cargo was “already at sea” and would not give Russia significant financial benefit. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the step would help fill a short-term supply gap caused by tensions in West Asia and disruptions linked to Iran. India has said it will prioritise energy needs for its population. (PC: HT)

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright briefly claimed that the US Navy escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz during rising tensions with Iran. The statement was later deleted from social media. In the post, Wright said the Navy helped ensure oil supplies continued during military operations against Iran. “The US Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote. The White House later rejected the claim. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US had not escorted any ships through the waterway. Iran also denied the statement. A Revolutionary Guards spokesperson called the claim “a complete lie.” (PC: India Today)

Air India said it will introduce higher fuel surcharges in phases after aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices surged due to tensions in West Asia. The airline said ATF makes up about 40% of operating costs and prices have risen since early March due to supply disruptions. From March 12, a surcharge of ₹399 will apply on domestic and SAARC routes. International routes will see increases of $10 for West Asia, $20 for Southeast Asia and $30 for Africa. From March 18, long-haul routes will see higher charges. Europe flights will add $25, while North America and Australia routes will add $50. Air India said the revised surcharge will apply only to new bookings. (PC: News18)