Middle East tensions fuel cooking gas shortage in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's cooking gas supply chain has come under strain amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to reports from market participants. The disruption has particularly affected LAUGFS Gas PLC, which supplies approximately 15–20 percent of the nation's liquefied petroleum gas requirements, with retail agents noting that shortages of the brand have persisted for around three weeks.

Litro Gas Lanka Ltd dominates Sri Lanka's gas market, commanding 80–85 percent of total supply. The company's substantial market share has helped mitigate broader supply issues, though LAUGFS Gas retailers have faced acute availability challenges during the current shortage.

International energy markets have remained volatile due to Middle East developments, disrupting import-dependent supply chains across South Asia. Sri Lanka, which relies heavily on imported energy products, has experienced spillover effects from these global market pressures.

Retailers have expressed concerns about the extended shortage period, which has disrupted distribution networks and affected household access to cooking fuel. Authorities have not yet issued formal statements regarding supply recovery timelines or contingency measures to address the shortfall.