The LPG shortage affecting several parts of India amid the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is beginning to affect Kerala’s film industry, with producers warning that ongoing film shoots could soon halt.

The Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA) has warned that nearly 18 films currently being shot in the state could be forced to suspend production if LPG cylinder supply is not restored promptly. According to the association, producers collectively face losses of around ₹5 crore if filming schedules are disrupted.

KFPA president B Rakesh said the situation has become increasingly worrying for film crews who depend on a steady LPG supply to prepare meals for hundreds of people working on sets each day.

“We have stock that may last for about two more days. If the shortage continues beyond that, it will become extremely difficult for us to continue shooting,” Rakesh told The Hindu. He added that halting shoots midway would lead to major logistical challenges.

Film shoots typically involve large crews, elaborate sets and tightly scheduled timelines. Producers say stopping production even briefly could significantly increase costs, as reorganising actors, technicians and equipment later would be complicated.

Catering is one of the most essential services on film sets, and the shortage is already forcing adjustments. According to industry reports, a single film location may require up to five LPG cylinders a day to prepare meals for the crew.

A typical day’s menu on Kerala film sets includes rice, chapati, chicken, fish, vegetables, and curries for lunch, while breakfast often features items such as idli, dosa, appam, and upma.

Dinner usually consists of rice gruel, lentils, chapati, chicken and vegetable curries. Tea and coffee are also served throughout the day.

Production controller Sidhu Panakkal said that the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) follows a standard menu for film crews, ensuring meals are prepared from the early hours of the morning. Cooking generally begins around 3 AM so that breakfast can be served by about 7:30 AM.

However, the LPG shortage is forcing caterers to find alternatives. Mohan, a caterer who works on film sets in Thodupuzha and Kochi, said some crews have already begun using firewood due to the unavailability of gas cylinders.

He added that contacting suppliers has become difficult and that catering teams have started cutting down the number of dishes being served, with vegetarian options among the first to be reduced.

The shortage is affecting not just Malayalam film productions but also other projects being shot in the state. Mohan said producers from a Hindi film currently shooting in Thiruvananthapuram and a Tamil film unit working in Edakochi had also been trying to locate LPG suppliers.

With multiple productions running simultaneously across Kerala, industry representatives warn that the crisis could soon bring filming to a standstill unless supplies improve.