The central government on Wednesday assured that India will maintain 100% domestic LPG supply despite the ongoing West Asia crisis. Officials asked people not to panic or hoard cooking gas cylinders. The government has increased the minimum gap for booking LPG cylinders from 21 to 25 days to prevent panic buying. An inter-ministerial panel said energy imports are continuing from different sources. Natural gas is being redirected to increase LPG production. Refineries have also been asked to boost LPG output. A three-member committee will review the demands of restaurants and hotels facing supply concerns. The government said it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure steady fuel supply. (PC: PTI)

Protests broke out in Telangana’s Warangal and Karimnagar after residents and political activists opposed a sharp LPG price hike and reported shortages of cooking gas cylinders. Demonstrators gathered on the streets demanding an immediate rollback of the increase and a stable supply of cylinders. Domestic LPG cylinder prices reportedly rose by around ₹60, increasing the financial burden on households, while commercial cylinders also became more expensive, affecting restaurants and small businesses. Protesters accused authorities of failing to manage supply properly. Officials, however, said LPG stocks are adequate and urged citizens not to panic, assuring steps to stabilise distribution. (PC: DC)

A shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has forced many PG accommodations in Bengaluru to change meal plans and reduce gas use.   The PG Owners Welfare Association–Bangalore has advised PG kitchens to serve only two meals from Monday to Friday. Three meals may continue on weekends. Residents are also encouraged to carry lunch boxes during weekdays.   PGs have been asked to avoid gas-heavy dishes such as dosa, poori and chapati. Instead, kitchens may serve rice-based items like bisibelebath, chitranna and puliyogare.   Association president Arun Kumar said many PGs are struggling to get commercial cylinders. “Commercial cylinders are not available in the current situation,” he said.   The association has also suggested using induction stoves and electric rice cookers to reduce LPG use. (PC: India Today)

  Lawyers visiting the Delhi High Court canteen may have to skip hot meals for now due to an LPG shortage. The canteen has stopped serving main course dishes such as biryani, dal makhani and shahi paneer.   A notice placed in the canteen said, “Due to the unavailability of the LPG gas cylinder at present, we are unable to prepare and serve the main course items.”   Only food that does not require cooking gas is being served. These include sandwiches, salads and fruit chaat.   Advocate Satyam Singh Rajput said it was ironic that lawyers arguing cases all day could not get a hot meal.   The disruption comes amid fuel supply concerns linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court has allowed passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, a 32-year-old man who has been in a coma since a fall in 2013 left him with severe brain injuries. The ruling is the first court-ordered passive euthanasia case in India.   A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan said clinically assisted nutrition counts as medical treatment and can be withdrawn if medical boards approve it.   “The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered,” Justice Viswanathan said.   Justice Pardiwala said Rana had been “stripped of a voice to voice his anguish.”   The court allowed doctors to withdraw treatment in hospital, saying the decision lets him “leave with dignity.” (PC: India Today)

Dining out in India may soon become more expensive as restaurants face a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders used for cooking. Industry groups warn that eateries may increase menu prices by 20–30%, possibly starting in April, to cope with rising operational costs. The shortage is linked to disruptions in global energy supplies and higher LPG prices. Commercial LPG cylinders have already become significantly costlier, putting pressure on restaurants that operate on thin profit margins. With few alternatives for large-scale cooking, many restaurants say passing the additional fuel costs on to customers may be necessary to continue operations. (PC: X)

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)

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)

IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia has written to employees after CEO Pieter Elbers resigned, assuring staff that he will lead the airline during the transition. In an internal mail, Bhatia said, “Main hoon na,” in a message seen as reassurance to employees. He also referred to the airline’s major disruption in December, when mass flight delays and cancellations affected thousands of passengers. “What happened last December should never have taken place,” Bhatia wrote. He thanked employees, especially frontline staff, for handling the crisis. “Our customers didn’t deserve it, nor did all of you,” he said. The aviation regulator had later fined IndiGo over ₹22 crore after an inquiry found problems in crew planning, software systems, and operational oversight. (PC: NDTV)

Women’s groups and several organisations staged a protest in Fatehabad, Haryana, demanding an immediate rollback of the recent increase in cooking gas prices. The demonstration was led by Jangir Kaur, district head of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA). Protesters submitted a 20-point memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Naib Tehsildar, raising concerns about the rising cost of LPG and its impact on household budgets. The memorandum also included broader demands related to women’s social, economic and political empowerment. Activists called for stronger implementation of women’s rights laws, reservation in local bodies, and stricter action against crimes committed against women. (PC: X)