The Times of India

Chennai's hospitality sector faces a grim holiday and wedding season due to an LPG shortage. Hotels fear a significant drop in occupancy, with many already forced to close. Caterers are concerned about order cancellations. While some explore biogas and firewood, these alternatives present challenges, impacting operations and costs, potentially dampening festive events.

Food delivery services faced significant disruptions. Hotels reduced menus, and petrol stations ran dry, causing delays. Gig workers experienced long waits and difficulty refuelling. Customers reported hour-long waits for food. Many hotels closed midway, leading to refund requests. Gig workers saw their earnings drop sharply due to fewer orders and lost time at petrol bunks.

Facing an LPG cylinder shortage, households are adopting fireless cooking, embracing salads and sprouts. Some are reviving induction stoves, finding them more efficient and faster for cooking. Experts highlight that shorter cooking times, like those used in Asian cuisines and with induction, preserve more nutrients.

V.K. Sasikala has launched her new political party, the All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AIPTMMK), with the symbol 'Thennathoppu' (coconut grove). The party, which aims to function as a 'joint family' and signifies unity, will contest upcoming assembly polls in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Bharatanatyam dancer Aranyani Bhargav presents 'Lori,' a solo performance raising funds for children in Gaza. The dance powerfully depicts a survivor rescuing a child amidst devastation, highlighting violence against youth. This initiative, part of the global 'Indian Dancers for Gazas Children' campaign, underscores artists' responsibility to address humanitarian crises.

Interfaith couples in India face significant hurdles registering marriages under the Special Marriage Act, with sub-registrars often engaging in moral policing and demanding bribes. Despite the law's intent to facilitate secular unions, couples are frequently subjected to parental pressure and even violence, highlighting the need for legal reform and increased state protection.

Initially, his wife, Ammu, claimed that Antony had doused himself with petrol in a drunken state to end life.

The court quashed a GO dated July 1, 2025, and directed the govt to allocate alternate land or pay the value of the land to St Josephs Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Koothapakkam, Cuddalore.

Arjunas remarks drew criticism from several quarters, particularly from Rajinikanths fans.

Police said Kalaiselvan of Pallavan Salai in Triplicane worked as a load van driver and was unmarried.

Chennai residents experienced widespread anxiety over LPG refill availability as booking systems for Bharat Gas and Indane faced disruptions. While suppliers cited overloaded systems and server glitches due to a surge in bookings, many consumers reported failed attempts and delayed deliveries, leading to frustration.

Roadside eateries are illegally using subsidized domestic LPG cylinders due to sharp price hikes in commercial ones. Authorities have yet to take action, despite regulations prohibiting such diversion. While some eateries face closures due to shortages, government-run kitchens report no disruptions.

Autorickshaw drivers are facing an LPG shortage, with some stations charging double the usual price and refusing receipts. Long queues have formed, impacting drivers who rely on LPG-powered vehicles. Driver unions are urging the state government to intervene to prevent further exploitation and ensure fuel availability. Ride-hailing companies are monitoring the situation.

Panic buying due to LPG cylinder shortages has led to a surge in demand for induction stoves, with many stores reporting sold-out inventory. Service centers are overwhelmed with repair requests, as consumers adapt by using induction cooktops for various cooking tasks to conserve gas and reduce cooking time.

Chennai's eateries faced a severe LPG shortage, forcing many to shut or scale down operations. With commercial cylinders unavailable for days, hotels are switching to electric stoves. Associations met officials, warning of further closures if gas deliveries don't resume, as oil companies prioritize hospitals and educational institutions amid West Asian unrest.