Middle East Crisis Sparks LPG Concerns, Government Urges Public Not to Panic

Middle East Crisis Sparks LPG Concerns, Government Urges Public Not to Panic

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 12, 2026

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key routes for oil and gas shipments, has started to affect energy supplies in India. The disruption in shipments has led to delays in the delivery of crude oil and LPG, creating a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders that are widely used by restaurants, hotels, and small businesses.

The shortage is being felt across several parts of the country and is directly impacting the hospitality sector, where commercial gas cylinders are essential for daily operations. From small tea stalls to large star hotels, many businesses are facing difficulty in securing cylinders due to the sudden rise in demand.

Reports indicate that the demand for commercial LPG cylinders has increased sharply. In Chennai, a single commercial cylinder was reportedly sold for as high as ₹5000 yesterday, reflecting the pressure on supply. The situation has also started to influence the prices of everyday items. For instance, a cup of tea that was earlier priced at ₹12 has now gone up to ₹15, while coffee prices have reached around ₹20 per cup in several places.

Fuel demand has also increased in the city. In Chennai, long queues were seen at many local petrol stations, with large numbers of vehicles waiting to refill fuel. Autos and other commercial vehicles were seen standing in long lines to refill petrol and CNG, reflecting the growing concern among the public. However, authorities have stated that petrol availability remains stable and have urged people not to panic, even as panic buying continues to be observed at some stations.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas also urged citizens not to panic buy LPG cylinders. The government has assured that India has sufficient LPG supply and that cylinders will be delivered within a few days of booking.

The situation has also affected other sectors linked to exports and transportation. Mango pulp exports from Krishnagiri, which plays an important role in the beverage industry, have been impacted due to the disruption in shipping and transport. Nearly ₹2000 crore worth of mango pulp shipments are currently reported to be stagnant because of delays in movement.

Amid these developments, there has been some reassurance regarding shipping routes. Iran has assured India that Indian-flagged ships will be allowed to cross the Strait of Hormuz, helping maintain trade movement through the region.

Meanwhile, supply lines are gradually starting to stabilise. After the conflict began, the first shipment of crude oil from Saudi Arabia has already reached Mumbai Port, and more shipments are expected in the coming days. These arrivals are likely to ease the pressure on supply and help reduce the impact of the shortage in the near future.


WorkEZ Expands South India Footprint to 1.7 Million Sq. Ft. Across Chennai, Kochi & Coimbatore

WorkEZ Expands South India Footprint to 1.7 Million Sq. Ft. Across Chennai, Kochi & Coimbatore

By Hariharan U

Published on May 11, 2026

 WorkEZ has announced a major expansion of its managed workspace portfolio, taking its total footprint to approximately 1.7 million sq. ft. across 12 active buildings and two upcoming developments across South India. The expansion strengthens the company’s presence in Chennai, Kochi, and Coimbatore, reinforcing its focus on high-growth commercial markets in the region.

As part of this growth phase, WorkEZ has added 65,000 sq. ft. at Phoenix One National Park in Chennai, further strengthening its presence in one of the city’s key commercial corridors. The company has also entered the Kochi market through a strategic partnership with Lulu Developers, adding 70,000 sq. ft. to its expanding portfolio. The move reflects increasing demand for premium managed workspaces from enterprises and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Kerala.

Speaking about the milestone, Sunil Reddy said, “Our growth to 1.7 million square feet reflects the trust our clients, partners and landlords have placed in WorkEZ over the years. The recent additions in Chennai, Kochi and Coimbatore mark an important step in our continued growth, and we remain focused on building high-quality managed workspaces in markets where demand continues to evolve.”

Coimbatore continues to emerge as a key growth market for the company. WorkEZ recently onboarded several marquee enterprise clients in the city, including global consulting, technology, and engineering firms, reinforcing enterprise confidence in Coimbatore as an emerging business destination.

Building on this momentum, WorkEZ has signed a new 0.4 million sq. ft. development in Coimbatore in partnership with Veeras Infra Private Limited, following the successful leasing of 0.1 million sq. ft. in Phase I. The company believes the city’s growing appeal among GCCs, IT services, and advanced manufacturing sectors will continue to drive demand for flexible office infrastructure.

Commenting on the Coimbatore expansion, Prathap Murali said, “Coimbatore has been a very encouraging market for us. The response to our Phase I development and the onboarding of leading global consulting and technology firms have reinforced our belief in the opportunity the city presents.”

Founded in 2019 in Chennai, WorkEZ has steadily evolved into one of South India’s leading managed office space providers, catering to enterprises, startups, Fortune 500 companies, and institutional landlords. The company’s growth strategy has focused on identifying emerging business corridors early and delivering scalable, experience-led workspaces designed around modern enterprise needs.

As businesses increasingly prioritise flexibility, operational efficiency, and employee-centric work environments, managed office spaces continue to gain traction across India’s commercial real estate landscape. WorkEZ’s latest expansion reflects this broader shift while further strengthening its position in South India’s fast-growing workspace market.


L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 29 Years at Cannes with Star-Studded India Line-Up Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt & Aditi Rao Hydari

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 29 Years at Cannes with Star-Studded India Line-Up Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt & Aditi Rao Hydari

By Hariharan U

Published on May 10, 2026

L’Oréal Paris has marked its 29th consecutive year as the Official Beauty Partner of the Festival de Cannes, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to celebrating women in cinema, inclusivity, and empowerment on one of the world’s most prestigious cultural stages.

Held from 12 to 23 May 2026, this year’s edition continues to bring together global cinema, fashion, and beauty, with L’Oréal Paris highlighting its enduring philosophy of championing women’s self-worth through its iconic message, “Because You’re Worth It.”

A major highlight of this year’s participation is a powerful Indian representation led by L’Oréal Paris ambassadors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Aditi Rao Hydari, each bringing a distinct expression of confidence, individuality, and global cultural presence to the Cannes red carpet.

Alia Bhatt returns to Cannes for the second consecutive year as a global ambassador, reflecting on the experience as a celebration of sisterhood and women’s voices on an international platform. Aditi Rao Hydari’s presence this year further strengthens India’s creative visibility at the festival, symbolising elegance and self-expression beyond cinema.

Speaking on the occasion, Dario Zizzi, General Manager, L’Oréal Paris India, said the brand’s nearly three-decade journey at Cannes has been about amplifying voices and celebrating women who are reshaping culture and cinema on their own terms.

The 2026 edition also features the sixth L’Oréal Paris Lights on Women’s Worth Award, with actress and ambassador Gillian Anderson serving as juror, continuing the brand’s focus on recognising emerging female voices in filmmaking.

The global ambassador line-up this year includes names such as Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Ariana Greenblatt, and others, further reinforcing L’Oréal Paris’ global creative network.

Alongside its Cannes presence, L’Oréal Paris has also partnered with Nykaa in India to bring exclusive red carpet beauty experiences closer to Indian consumers, extending the festival’s glamour beyond the French Riviera.

With its continued presence at Cannes, L’Oréal Paris once again positions beauty not just as aesthetics, but as a powerful expression of identity, ambition, and storytelling on a global stage.


WelcomHeritage Curates Mother’s Day Weekend Staycations Across North India

WelcomHeritage Curates Mother’s Day Weekend Staycations Across North India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2026

WelcomHeritage has introduced a curated collection of Mother’s Day weekend staycations across North India, bringing together heritage palaces, wellness resorts, wildlife retreats, and scenic hillside escapes. Designed as experience-led getaways, the stays reflect the growing preference for meaningful celebrations centred around quality time and memorable experiences.

The curated selection spans different travel styles, from peaceful mountain retreats and wellness-focused resorts to immersive outdoor stays. Moving beyond traditional hospitality experiences, the stays encourage families to slow down and spend meaningful time together in unique and character-filled destinations.

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In Himachal Pradesh, WelcomHeritage Natraj offers a calm mountain escape surrounded by nature, making it ideal for guests looking for a relaxed and peaceful retreat. Meanwhile, WelcomHeritage Santa Roza presents a boutique-style experience that combines scenic surroundings with a slower and more intimate atmosphere.

In Uttarakhand, WelcomHeritage Arka Resort & Spa focuses on wellness and rejuvenation, offering guests a refreshing break away from the fast pace of city life. For travellers interested in heritage experiences, WelcomHeritage Kasmanda Palace reflects the brand’s heritage charm through its historic architecture and panoramic valley views.

For guests seeking an outdoor and wildlife-inspired getaway, WelcomHeritage Mount Valley Resort offers a nature-led experience close to one of India’s most popular national parks, blending comfort with opportunities for wildlife exploration.

As staycations continue to gain popularity around occasions like Mother’s Day, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations that allow them to reconnect and unwind in settings that feel personal and immersive. Through these curated experiences, WelcomHeritage aims to offer celebrations that focus more on meaningful moments and less on scale.

For further information and reservations, guests can visit: WelcomHeritage Official Website

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