France has accused a cyber unit linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of carrying out a large-scale cyberattack on supermarket refrigeration systems, an incident that reportedly affected more than 1,000 stores and resulted in fires, equipment damage and substantial food waste.

French authorities have opened an investigation into the attacks, which took place on October 11 and 12, 2026. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that the Iranian ambassador had been summoned over the incident, while France said it would seek sanctions against those responsible at the European level.

Barrot described the incident as an unprecedented act of cyber sabotage on French soil, adding that the country would consider proportionate measures in response.

According to investigators, the attackers gained remote internet access to supermarket refrigeration systems and manipulated their temperature settings, raising them to as high as 50 degrees Celsius overnight. The resulting temperature spikes caused large quantities of food to spoil. In some locations, the overheating reportedly triggered fires and damaged refrigeration equipment.

The attack affected several major French supermarket groups, including E.Leclerc, Intermarché, Carrefour, Monoprix and Coopérative U. At least 300 Intermarché and Netto stores were reportedly affected. Coopérative U said more than 100 supermarkets had been targeted, while Carrefour reported incidents at 80 stores. Monoprix also reported that approximately five per cent of its nearly 490 outlets were affected.

French investigators have attributed the activity to Shahid Kaveh, described as an offensive cyber unit affiliated with the IRGC. The Paris prosecutor’s office has reportedly requested international arrest warrants for the unit's leader and two deputies.

Investigators cited the use of Farsi and IP addresses associated with devices in Iran as part of the evidence behind the attribution. However, tracing the operators of cyberattacks remains difficult, particularly when attackers route communications through multiple locations and jurisdictions.

The incident has also raised concerns beyond France. Supermarkets in Belgium, Estonia, Ireland, Luxembourg and Sweden reported similar refrigeration problems on November 2, with dozens of stores and a food distribution hub affected. Whether these incidents were directly connected to the French attacks remains a matter for investigation.

The episode highlights the vulnerability of essential retail infrastructure to cyber threats. Supermarket refrigeration systems are critical to preserving perishable food, maintaining food safety and preventing supply-chain losses. Their connection to internet-based monitoring and control systems can also create additional points of exposure if cybersecurity safeguards are inadequate.

For retailers, the consequences of such incidents extend beyond disrupted equipment. A compromised refrigeration network can lead to spoiled inventory, operational interruptions, financial losses and potential risks to food safety. The attacks underline the importance of securing connected operational technology, monitoring unusual temperature changes and maintaining contingency systems that can limit damage when digital controls are compromised.

France's investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against Iran have not been independently established through a judicial finding. The incident nevertheless places the cybersecurity of supermarket infrastructure and food distribution networks firmly in the spotlight.

Palmonas has expanded its retail presence in Mumbai with the opening of a new store on Turner Road in Bandra West, bringing its jewellery collections closer to shoppers ahead of the festive season.

The new outlet arrives during a busy period for festive shopping, offering customers a convenient destination to explore jewellery for celebrations, family gatherings, gifting and everyday styling.

The store features Palmonas’ range of Demi-fine® jewellery, 9KT Gold jewellery and Fine Silver designs. With collections spanning different styles and occasions, shoppers can explore everyday accessories alongside pieces suited to festive dressing and special moments.

The opening reflects Palmonas’ continued focus on expanding its offline retail footprint across key urban markets. By establishing a presence in Bandra West, the brand aims to make its collections more accessible to customers who prefer exploring jewellery in a physical retail environment.

The festive season brings increased interest in occasion-ready accessories and gifting options. The new store adds another location for Mumbai shoppers to discover Palmonas’ offerings across its jewellery categories.

Store Details

• Brand: Palmonas

• Address: Shop No. 3, Ground Floor, 36, Turner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

Pune Gas has opened its 10th Experience Centre in Mangaluru, expanding its presence in Karnataka and bringing its commercial and industrial gas solutions closer to businesses across Dakshina Kannada and coastal Karnataka. The new facility is the company's second centre in the state, following its Bengaluru location.

The Pune Gas Mangaluru Experience Centre was inaugurated by D. Vedavyasa Kamath, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Mangaluru City South, and S. Mukund Kamath, CMD, Ideal Ice Cream Pvt. Ltd.

The inauguration was attended by representatives from the oil and gas industry, including Sandeep Kumar Raina, LPG Territory Manager, BPCL, Mangaluru; Darshit Malviya, Manager – Sales, BPCL, Mangaluru; and Lakshmi M, CRM, HPCL. The centre will be locally managed by franchise partners Vindya Pai and Nithyanand Pai, with technical and leadership support from Pune Gas.

Mangaluru's Commercial and Industrial Energy Demand

Mangaluru and the wider Dakshina Kannada region have a diverse business base spanning hospitality, restaurants, seafood and marine products, cashew and food processing, chemicals, petrochemicals, fertilisers and manufacturing.

Industrial areas such as Baikampady, Yeyyadi, Ganjimutt and Karnad contribute to the region's commercial and manufacturing activity. Businesses across these sectors depend on reliable energy systems for commercial kitchens, process heating and other operational requirements.

The region's seafood and cashew industries also have export potential. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has identified these products under Dakshina Kannada's District Export Hub designation, while Karnataka Tourism highlights the Mangaluru–Udupi region's coastal cuisine and seafood traditions.

For businesses operating in these sectors, efficient LPG systems can help improve fuel utilisation, reduce wastage and manage operating expenses.

Pune Gas Highlights Its Energy Efficiency Solutions

Speaking at the launch, Jesal Sampat, Executive Director and CEO, Pune Gas, said, “Improving energy efficiency is essential to helping businesses manage operating costs and enhance operational performance. Mangaluru and coastal Karnataka present an important opportunity for us to bring our engineering expertise closer to Dakshina Kannada's diverse and growing business community.”

He added that Pune Gas solutions were helping businesses save nearly ₹1,400 crore annually, according to the company's estimates, by addressing fuel inefficiencies. The new centre, he said, would make its technologies and technical expertise more accessible to businesses across the region.

Nithyanand Pai, Pune Gas Mangaluru Franchise Partner, highlighted the scale of commercial LPG consumption in Karnataka, estimating daily demand at approximately 850 metric tonnes, equivalent to around 44,000 commercial LPG cylinders. He said the franchise would focus on helping regional businesses optimise LPG consumption and reduce fuel wastage.

Inside the Mangaluru Experience Centre

The new centre offers businesses an opportunity to explore Pune Gas's commercial and industrial gas systems through product demonstrations and technical guidance. Its portfolio includes:

• Dry-Type LPG Vaporizer: The company's patented, Made-in-India technology converts liquid LPG into gas for commercial and industrial applications. System sizing is tailored to individual operational requirements.

• LPGenius Smart LPG Systems: An integrated LPG solution designed to improve fuel utilisation and maintain consistent operations. It addresses issues such as cylinder freezing and sweating and works with LOT (Liquid Off-Take) 47.5 kg cylinders. Pune Gas states that the system can deliver 20–30% savings on LPG costs, depending on operating conditions.

• FuelFusion: A dual-fuel system that enables compatible diesel generator sets to operate using diesel and LPG. According to the company, it can reduce diesel consumption by up to 70%, depending on system compatibility and operating conditions, while supporting lower-emission operations.

• LeakCheck and Handheld Sniffer: Gas leak detection solutions designed to help identify potential leaks and support timely corrective action.

• GasTrain Pressure Regulation Systems: Precision-engineered systems that regulate gas pressure according to equipment and process requirements, supporting controlled gas delivery.

• Gas Parts and Consumables: Components for commercial and industrial LPG and natural gas infrastructure, supported by technical guidance.

Pune Gas Experience Centre, Mangaluru

Address: Vindhya Appliances, Shop No. FF 10, Lotus Atharva, Ashok Nagar, near Urwa Marigudi, Mangaluru – 575006.

About Pune Gas

With a history spanning more than 40 years, Pune Gas designs, develops and implements gas-based energy systems for commercial and industrial applications. The company operates across India and 20 international markets, serving sectors including manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality.

Its portfolio includes LPG and natural gas systems aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing operational costs and supporting the adoption of cleaner energy solutions.

For more information, visit Pune Gas.