New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The Union government on Tuesday assured the public that India has sufficient LPG and LNG supplies, even as tensions in West Asia disrupted key energy shipping routes. Officials emphasised that there is no need for panic, and domestic consumers will continue to receive priority.
A senior government source said, “Crude oil supplies are being rerouted through alternative channels, with about 70 per cent now coming from routes other than the Strait of Hormuz. The domestic LPG and LNG stockpiles are healthy, and additional imports are being arranged from multiple countries.”
India’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz had previously accounted for roughly 55 per cent of crude imports. With the closure of this vital maritime corridor due to the ongoing conflict, the government has diversified supply lines to ensure uninterrupted energy availability.
Petroleum ministry officials noted that global crude prices, which had briefly touched $100 per barrel, fell to $87 after strategic stock releases, ensuring stability in domestic fuel prices. The government clarified that petrol and diesel retail rates will remain unchanged.
To manage LPG allocation, authorities have invoked Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act 1955, allowing the regulation of production, distribution, and prioritisation across sectors. Household consumers will continue to be the top priority, while commercial establishments may face temporary supply adjustments.
The government also addressed the recent surge in panic bookings. Officials said the refill schedule requiring a 25-day gap between cylinder bookings remains in effect, and the average waiting period for a cylinder delivery is about 2.5 days. No LPG distributor has reported running out of stock.
A three-member committee, including executives from Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, has been set up to coordinate with hotels and restaurants about fuel availability. Officials also highlighted that many commercial kitchens now rely on induction-based cooking, further easing the demand for LPG.
“The situation may have caused temporary concern, but India’s energy infrastructure is stronger than ever and capable of handling global disruptions,” the source added, reassuring consumers and commercial users alike.
