About a decade after completing her Master’s in Sociology from Mizoram University, Lalrindiki chose to follow her passion. She stepped away from a conventional career path to build something of her own—a small restaurant in Aizawl rooted in her love for cooking.
Barely a year into that journey, she now finds herself staring at an uncertain future.
“We just have one cylinder left. By next week, we may have to switch to coal or induction stoves. We won’t be able to cook on a large scale,” she says. “Catering orders will have to stop.”
Her struggle is part of a much larger crisis unfolding far beyond Mizoram. Across South Asia, a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has disrupted everyday life following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
With supplies choked, LPG imports into countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have slowed dramatically. Governments have begun prioritising household consumption, leaving commercial users—restaurants, bakeries and small businesses—struggling to survive. India alone imports about 60% of its LPG, with nearly 90% routed through this now-disrupted passage.
In Aizawl, where a growing tourism sector has turned cafés and eateries into vital sources of livelihood, the impact is quietly devastating. What once seemed like a distant geopolitical conflict is now being felt in the heart of local kitchens.
Small start-ups like Lalrindiki’s are among the worst affected.
Along the road leading to Mizoram University, student-favourite eateries are beginning to feel the pinch. One such place is MC Dhaba, known for its affordable meals and lively atmosphere, often filled with students gathered around a pool table.
Its owner, C Vanlalhmuaka, had only recently turned to the food business after years of driving an auto-rickshaw. Nine months later, he is unsure how long he can keep the doors open.
“We are unable to book any gas cylinders. There’s nothing even in the black market,” he says. “What we have may last just three more days.”
To conserve fuel, the kitchen has already stopped preparing high-consumption items such as parathas.
“Since we sold our auto-rickshaw, we don’t know what we’ll do if supplies don’t come,” he adds with a faint laugh. “Maybe we’ll have to turn to farming and sell vegetables.”
The crisis is not limited to restaurants. Bakeries—another backbone of the local food economy—are also under strain.
In Zonuam, bakery owner Ramthanpari says her most popular items, including coconut rolls and buns supplied across the city, depend on gas-powered ovens.
“Two days ago, I went to the filling station with my son, but there were no cylinders,” she says. “I checked again today, hoping for a supply. Otherwise, we’ll face serious shortages and losses.”
Some families have also begun turning to alternatives. Ramsangpuii, a resident of Chawlhhmun, said, “We were told there would be a gas shortage, so we bought an induction stove. It cost us Rs 3,050. Only four units were available, so we had to book in advance.”
At the Zopuii Gas Agency, the situation reflects the broader strain. An employee, Vanlalruata, explains that commercial cylinders are now being restricted.
“We are only allowed to supply to essential sectors such as educational institutions and hospitals,” he says.
Back in her kitchen, Lalrindiki waits, like many others—not just for gas cylinders, but for stability to return. For now, the flames that once symbolised ambition and independence are flickering under pressure from forces far beyond Mizoram’s hills.
Even families have begun resorting to induction stoves. Ramsangpuii, a resident of Chawlhhmun, said, “They said there would be a shortage of gas, so we bought an induction stove. We spent Rs 3,050. They said only four units were arriving, so we had to book in advance.”
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