Pharmaceutical companies flag supply disruption and LPG shortage, urge urgent government action to prevent drug crisis in India
Bengaluru: In a major public health concern, pharmaceutical companies in India have warned of a looming medicine shortage, citing severe disruptions in supply chains triggered by the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran and United States. Industry players have written to the Union Health Minister, urging immediate intervention to prevent a full-blown crisis.
The warning comes even as a temporary ceasefire offers brief relief in global tensions. However, the impact of the conflict continues to ripple through key sectors, with medicine manufacturing now under serious strain.
Pharma Manufacturing Hit by Supply Chain Disruptions
According to industry sources, critical raw materials and drug components imported from abroad are facing delays, severely affecting production capacity. The situation has been further aggravated by the ongoing LPG shortage, especially in Karnataka, which is essential for multiple stages of pharmaceutical processing.
“If the current situation persists, manufacturing medicines will become increasingly difficult,” a pharmaceutical company stated in its letter to the government.
The disruption has placed the entire pharmaceutical ecosystem under pressure, raising concerns over availability of essential medicines.
LPG Shortage Adds to Crisis
The LPG shortage, already impacting industries like hospitality, has now extended its effects to pharma manufacturing, particularly in the production of tablet foils and packaging materials derived from petrochemicals.
Experts warn that unless fuel supply stabilises, production bottlenecks could worsen in the coming days.
Drug Prices Likely to Surge Up to 20%
In a worrying development for patients, medicine prices are expected to rise sharply, with estimates suggesting a 15% to 20% increase starting this week—far higher than the usual annual hike of 5% to 10%.
The expected price rise could impact over 600 essential drugs, including:
- Paracetamol
- Cardiac medicines
- Diabetes drugs
- Gastric tablets
- Cough syrups
- Iron supplements
This sudden spike is likely to place an additional financial burden on patients, especially those dependent on long-term medication.
Urgent Call for Government Intervention
Pharmaceutical companies have urged the government to take swift corrective measures, including stabilising supply chains and ensuring fuel availability, to prevent a healthcare emergency.
“Public health must be prioritised. Immediate steps are needed to ensure an uninterrupted drug supply,” the industry emphasised.
Ceasefire Offers Hope, But Uncertainty Remains
While the temporary pause in conflict has eased some pressure on global logistics—especially around the Strait of Hormuz—experts caution that long-term stability is still uncertain, and supply disruptions may continue.
Healthcare System Faces Critical Test
Authorities are now under pressure to act swiftly to avoid a potential medicine shortage and price shock that could affect millions across the country.
