As the Israel–US–Iran war enters its second week, its ripple effects are reaching Goa, triggering fears of fuel and gas shortages and pushing households, businesses and vendors into uncertainty
Amidst the ongoing crises of human and property losses in the war hit zones, the ripples of war are felt across the global community in multiple ways. The negative impacts of war started between Israel, US and Iran on February 28 are at the doorsteps now, translating fears into existential questions and pushing the citizens into survival mode. As the war proceeds towards its fortnight, affecting common man’s life amidst growing concerns over non-availability and shortage of essential commodities.
Apart from disruption in the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) supplies, the looming shortage of fuel and other types of gases is becoming a major cause of worry among the citizens. The shortage of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is already being felt across the domestic and commercial consumer sector in Goa, despite the government assurances of maintaining a smooth supply chain for the next few weeks.
Amongst the most worried consumers are domestic and commercial LPG users, who depend on the regular supply of cylinders for cooking their daily meals at home and in restaurants. While the domestic consumers are hurriedly booking their LPG cylinders, and waiting eagerly for the delivery man, the hotels and restaurants across Goa are worried that they may have to stop cooking and selling food, or shift to other alternatives of making food.
Olmar Gas Agency in St Inez, which has an HP dealership, provides LPG in St Inez, Miramar, Dona Paula, Taleigao, Merces, Bambolim and Santa Cruz area, catering to over 10,000 consumers. Terrance Nunes, the proprietor said that the supply from the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd is uninterrupted till now.
“We are receiving regular supply but as I already have over 800 bookings as of now, the delivery will be delayed. We used to deliver within two weeks earlier, but now it may take four-five weeks,” said Nunes, further assuring his customers that the domestic LPG supply will continue albeit with little late deliveries, but there can be no guarantee of uninterrupted commercial supply. The government of India has issued stringent directives to HPCL, BPCL and IOC to secure domestic cooking gas (LPG) supply. It is also mandatory that 14.2 kg domestic cylinders should not be used in commercial establishments. They must use 19 kg or 5 kg commercial cylinders only and a 25-day mandatory gap between booking consecutive LPG cylinders has also been introduced.
Café Mouaz, a restaurant next to the Olmar Gas Agency is already shut. In the same building Café Ashwini has the last LPG in their kitchen. “We have ordered but the delivery is not coming. We don’t know what we will be doing after this last cylinder gets over,” said the owner who caters to a large office-going crowd that comes for lunch on a daily basis. A biryani centre in the same vicinity has also brought down its shutters. A vendor selling ross-omelette near KTC bus stand shared that he needs to replace his LPG every 10-15 days. “I do have a backup for now, but what will happen when that cylinder gets over and I don’t get my next delivery even after booking within time?” he asks.
Commercial LPG cylinders are difficult to procure now, admitted Vandana Borkar, a hospital owner in Margao who had to go personally to the delivery godown and get one cylinder on emergency basis, that too with great difficulty. “I had to request the person to hand over one cylinder as the hospital canteen requires LPG to provide diet food, hot drinking water, tea etc to the patients,” she said. This was despite a special committee, consisting of executive directors from HPCL, BPCL, and IOC, that was formed to review and prioritize LPG supply for non-domestic/essential sectors like hospitals and educational institutions.
Dadi, a motorcycle pilot in Panaji expresses his worry for the rising price of petrol. “It’s just a few months, we have hiked our rent price from Rs 120 to Rs 150. If we hike it further, we are sure to lose most customers as some have already started travelling by the AC city buses that move on all streets charging a minimum fare of Rs 10-20,” said Dadi.
The government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, to enforce these directives. The Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) in India empowers the government to prohibit strikes in essential sectors to maintain public life and services, such as healthcare, transport, and energy. It permits arrests without warrants for violations and is often invoked to ensure uninterrupted supplies.
“But will that take care of our immediate needs and requirements? The LPG dealers have already started selling the cylinders in the black market,” points out Asha Gaude, a homemaker. Another citizen from Panaji shares his experience that his gas dealer has kept the shop shut, probably to avoid confrontation with the consumers.
