India is beginning to feel the ripple effects of the ongoing tensions in West Asia, with changes visible across fuel pricing, food trends, and delivery costs.

In a key development, Nayara Energy has increased the price of petrol and diesel at its outlets by ₹5 and ₹3 per litre respectively. While the company did not directly highlight the price hike, it pointed to the growing challenges in the industry, stating that the situation in West Asia has created “unprecedented challenges in the industry, impacting several aspects of fuel disruption and availability”.

The rising tensions in the Middle East are also expected to push operating costs higher, especially in sectors like aviation, where increasing fuel expenses could lead to a rise in airfares and impact travel demand across India.

Interestingly, while fuel prices are seeing an upward trend, egg prices have dropped for the first time in a year. In Namakkal, often referred to as India’s egg hub, prices have come down to around ₹3.85 per egg. This shift is being linked to reduced export opportunities to the Middle East and temporary closures of restaurants in parts of the country due to LPG shortages.

The food delivery space is also witnessing changes. Swiggy has increased its platform fee to ₹17.58 per order, inclusive of GST. This comes shortly after Zomato revised its charges, with a platform fee of ₹14.90 on a pre-GST basis. Swiggy had last updated its fee in September last year, and the latest revision is expected to make ordering food slightly more expensive for users. Rising fuel costs are likely playing a role here, as delivery operations become more expensive.

On the energy front, the government is encouraging households to shift from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) in areas where infrastructure is already available. This move is aimed at easing pressure on LPG supplies, which have been affected due to disruptions in imports linked to the West Asia situation. To support this transition, some city gas companies are offering incentives such as free gas volumes and waived connection charges, while states have been urged to speed up PNG network expansion.

In a positive update, Iran has indicated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open for India despite the ongoing conflict. This is a crucial route for India’s LPG and petroleum imports and offers some relief in an otherwise uncertain scenario.

Overall, these developments reflect how global tensions are slowly influencing everyday costs and consumption patterns in India, from fuel and food to household energy and delivery services.

International Institute of Hotel Management, Bengaluru, commemorated International Women's Day 2026 with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled ‘The Invisible Load: Navigating Women's Mental, Emotional & Hormonal Health in a High-Performance World.’ The session brought together industry leaders and experts to explore the evolving conversation around women’s well-being in demanding professional environments.

Addressing the gathering virtually, Dr. Suborno Bose highlighted the institution’s commitment to fostering leadership among women. He noted that the event was not only a celebration of achievements but also a reflection of IIHM’s focus on creating meaningful, experience-led platforms driven by its students.

Among the distinguished speakers, Shabinaa Sultana emphasised the importance of normalising conversations around emotional well-being. She stressed that mental health must be viewed as a fundamental human need, encouraging individuals to seek support without stigma.

The discussion further explored workplace dynamics, with Sanchari Chowdhury underlining the role of empathy and flexibility in building healthier work environments. She advocated for trust-based systems that prioritise outcomes over rigid structures, enabling professionals to perform at their best.

Panelists shared insights on managing stress, maintaining hormonal balance, improving nutrition, and building emotional resilience. The conversation also highlighted the importance of supportive institutional frameworks in helping women navigate the pressures of high-performance roles.

Reinforcing its commitment to women’s empowerment, IIHM positioned the event as a step towards fostering awareness, dialogue, and actionable change within the hospitality ecosystem and beyond. The session saw active participation from students, faculty, and industry professionals.

The event concluded with a curated eight-course progressive Indian menu, crafted by third-year students, showcasing both culinary creativity and technical excellence, and adding a distinctive experiential touch to the celebration.

Tathastu Resorts has strengthened its presence in India’s wildlife hospitality space with the launch of ‘Tathastu Satpura’, a new retreat located at Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. With this addition, the group now marks its fifth property, joining its existing resorts in Pench, Kanha, Tadoba, and Bandhavgarh.

Set amidst one of Central India’s rich forest landscapes, the retreat is designed to offer a peaceful and close-to-nature stay. The property features 34 Villa Rooms and 5 Exclusive Pool Suites, each planned to give guests a sense of space and privacy. With private verandas and forest-facing views, the stay aims to blend comfort with an immersive wilderness experience. A thoughtful detail includes rooms equipped with two washrooms, allowing guests a more relaxed start before heading out for early morning safaris.

Sharing his thoughts on the destination, Mr Anil Agarwala, Managing Director, Tathastu Resorts, said, “Hidden quietly in the heart of Madhya Pradesh lies a destination that offers something far more peaceful, raw and authentic Satpura. Often overlooked, this forest region is a paradise for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and travellers seeking calm, away from crowded tourist circuits. At its core is Satpura Tiger Reserve, one of India's most underrated yet rewarding wildlife destinations, known for its rich biodiversity and remarkably tranquil safari experience where visitors can truly listen to the forest. With the launch of Tathastu Satpura, we aim to create a stay that complements the spirit of this landscape, immersive, intimate and deeply connected to the wilderness.”

Dining at the resort is led by ‘Gilhari’, a multi-cuisine restaurant inspired by the Indian Giant Squirrel found in the region, which is also the official mascot of the Satpura Tiger Reserve. The menu brings together Indian and international dishes, offering guests a wide variety of options. The resort also features a bar space designed with earthy tones and wooden elements, reflecting the surrounding forest environment.

Wildlife remains at the heart of the Satpura experience. Guided safaris give guests the chance to spot species such as Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Indian giant squirrels, sambar deer and several bird species. Known for its relatively untouched terrain, the reserve offers a quieter and more immersive safari experience compared to many other parks.

Beyond safaris, guests can take part in a mix of nature-led and recreational activities, including jungle walks, riverside sundowners, pottery sessions and reflexology walks. The resort also offers indoor options such as a games room, box cricket arena, karaoke evenings and a temperature-controlled indoor swimming pool.

Adding a meaningful touch, Tathastu Satpura has introduced a team of visually impaired spa therapists who provide therapeutic massage experiences as part of the resort’s social initiative.

With this launch, Tathastu Resorts continues to build its presence across India’s leading tiger landscapes. Its growing portfolio reflects a focus on offering travellers a balanced experience of nature, comfort and curated activities.

The addition of Satpura also highlights the rising interest in experiential wildlife travel in India, where more travellers are choosing destinations that offer both adventure and a deeper connection with nature.