India's LPG shortage: cities 25 days, rural 45 days
India's dealing with a tough LPG shortage right now, thanks to tensions in West Asia.
To manage the supply, city homes can book gas refills after 25 days, but people in rural areas have to wait 45 days.
The idea is that people outside cities can just switch back to traditional fuels like firewood, but it's not really that simple.
LPG shortages increase rural women's burden
Turns out, most rural households actually rely on LPG: 61% use LPG as their primary fuel, and in rural Telangana, it's over 90%.
With fewer alternatives like piped gas available outside cities, this policy especially impacts rural women.
When there's no LPG, they end up spending more time collecting firewood and risk health issues from indoor smoke.
So while the rule might seem fair on paper, it puts a heavier load on those who already have fewer options.