NEW DELHI, March 13, 2026 — Public health experts and doctors are raising urgent alarms over potential disruptions in the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). They warn that any shortage or significant price hike could force millions of households to revert to traditional cooking fuels like firewood and cow dung, undoing years of progress in reducing indoor air pollution.
The Health Risk: A Return to Solid Fuels
According to the reports from our sources, a transition back to solid fuels—such as wood, coal, or crop residue—presents a severe public health hazard. When burned in poorly ventilated kitchens, these fuels release high concentrations of fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and various carcinogens.
Dr. Arup Halder, a Consultant Pulmonologist, noted that women and children are the most vulnerable as they spend the most time indoors. “The indoor air pollution from these toxic fuels is a major health hazard, exposing individuals… to high levels of fine particulate matter and carcinogens,” he stated.
Impact on Respiratory Health
Long-term exposure to the smoke from traditional stoves is linked to a variety of chronic conditions:
- Chronic Diseases: Increased risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and bronchitis.
- Child Development: Frequent respiratory infections, persistent coughs, and reduced lung function in growing children.
- Cancer Risks: In severe cases, prolonged inhalation of toxic smoke can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer.
Reversing a Decade of Progress
India has made substantial gains over the last decade through government initiatives aimed at expanding LPG connections to rural and low-income communities. As per the details provided, these cleaner fuels have been a cornerstone in improving household air quality. However, the current uncertainty in LPG availability threatens to reverse these environmental and health milestones.
For many low-income families already facing rising costs of living, firewood and agricultural waste may seem like the only affordable alternatives if clean fuel becomes inaccessible.
The “Indoor” Pollution Trap
Experts highlighted that indoor air pollution can be even more dangerous than outdoor pollution. In enclosed spaces, toxic particles do not disperse as they do outdoors, leading to much more intense and harmful exposure. Doctors emphasize that maintaining a reliable and affordable LPG supply is not just a matter of convenience but an essential pillar of public health.
Why is there a concern about the LPG supply?
Disruptions in supply or rising costs may make LPG inaccessible for low-income households, forcing them to find cheaper, more harmful alternatives.
What are the health risks of using firewood for cooking?
Burning firewood indoors releases toxic pollutants like fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide, which can lead to COPD, asthma, and lung cancer.
Who is most affected by indoor air pollution?
Women and children are most at risk because they typically spend more time in or near the kitchen during cooking hours.
How does indoor pollution compare to outdoor pollution?
Indoor smoke is often more dangerous because it remains trapped in enclosed spaces, resulting in higher concentrations of toxic particles than found outdoors.
What will be the major impact on AQI after this crises?
If people face LPG low supply or not available to get it, then they start using firewood to cook food, or for basic needs, in this case, AQI will hit high.
Nidhi Kapoor is an environmental journalist and air pollution monitoring expert with 8 years of experience. She specializes in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting air quality data to identify pollutant sources and their impact on public health. Through her investigative reporting, Nidhi develops insights and advocates for evidence-based solutions to reduce atmospheric contamination.