Escalating tensions between Iran and the United States in West Asia have begun impacting global supplies of natural gas and LPG. With key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, India has prioritised domestic cooking gas supply for households in an effort to prevent shortages. Amid these disruptions, a viral video claiming that there will be “no roti” in a paying guest accommodation in Bengaluru due to a gas cylinder shortage has been widely shared on social media.
The clip was posted on Instagram by a user identified as Sarika Purohit. In the video, she shows a notice displayed at the PG that reads, “There will be NO ROTI in PG due to gas cylinder crisis (Due to war between Iran and USA). SELF COOKING will not be available till next notice.” A text overlay on the video also read, “It’s a bad dream.” The caption accompanying the post said, “Please someone pinch me it’s a dream!!!!!! North Indians without Roti??? How it’s possible.”
After being shared online, the clip quickly gained traction, with several users claiming in the comments that they had received similar notices at their own PG accommodations in Bengaluru. One user wrote, “Same notice in my PG as well.” Another user commented, “Today myself came to know about the roti thing in my own pg .. without roti… Omg.”
Meanwhile, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed amid the ongoing West Asia crisis and conflict, concerns over energy supplies have grown. India imports around 60 per cent of its LPG requirements, and nearly 90 per cent of that supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. This heavy dependence has contributed to fears of a gas shortage in the country. However, the government has urged people not to “panic,” but instead “save fuel however possible.”
