India’s pharmaceutical sector is facing a major disruption as a propane gas shortage begins to impact production across key manufacturing hubs.
Several pharma plants in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have reported partial or complete shutdowns, as propane is critical for reactors and steam generation in drug manufacturing.
The shortage is already affecting the production of essential medicines, including paracetamol, vitamins, and hormone-based drugs, raising concerns about possible supply constraints in the coming weeks.
Industry experts warn that nearly 200 pharmaceutical units could face disruptions within days, as fuel shortages impact key processes such as sterilisation and chemical synthesis.
The crisis is linked to global supply disruptions, particularly due to tensions in West Asia, which have affected LPG and propane availability in India.
For now, companies are relying on existing inventories and scrambling to secure alternative supplies, but prolonged shortages could lead to medicine supply gaps and price pressures in the healthcare sector.
