Amid reports of a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shortage due to the West Asia crisis, India has secured LPG and LNG supplies through alternative routes.
According to government officials, these LPG and LNG supplies from alternative locations are likely to reach the country soon.
Notably, Indian refiners have also increased domestic production of LPG by 10 per cent after the government directed oil companies to maximise cooking gas output.
Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar oil refining complex will also maximise cooking gas LPG production.
"At a time when global energy markets are experiencing volatility, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential fuels for Indian households remains a national priority," the firm said in a statement.
At the same time, natural gas produced from the KG-D6 Basin will be diverted to support supply to priority sectors, in line with national energy priorities and government guidelines.
"Reliance Industries is taking proactive steps, in line with government guidelines, to maximise LPG production from our refining and petrochemicals complexes at Jamnagar — the world's largest integrated refining hub. Our teams are working around the clock to optimise refinery operations and enhance LPG output so that supplies to the domestic market remain stable and reliable," the company said.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India is securing its energy needs by diversifying import sources beyond West Asia amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region, assuring citizens that domestic gas supplies remain stable.
Puri said India continues to receive energy imports through different sources and supply routes, ensuring stability in the country's fuel availability despite the ongoing conflict in the region.
He added that the government has taken several steps to ensure that fuel supplies remain uninterrupted for households and key sectors. According to Puri, the government has ensured that domestic consumers continue to receive full supplies of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG).
Industries are also receiving around 70–80 per cent of their gas requirements despite the challenges created by the conflict.
The minister emphasised that the government remains committed to ensuring an uninterrupted supply of affordable energy for households across the country.
Government sources said there is no need to panic as authorities are actively working to meet the country's oil and energy requirements. The government is expanding its sourcing strategy and plans to import oil from a larger number of countries to ensure adequate supply.
Earlier, India procured oil and energy resources from 27 countries. However, amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, the government has widened its network and is now sourcing supplies from around 40 countries.
Officials said the Centre has broadened its procurement horizon to safeguard the nation's energy needs. Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has already reached out to several prospective supplier nations to strengthen supply arrangements and ensure energy availability as soon as possible. The plan, sources said, is already being implemented.
Commenting on the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, restaurateur and vice-president of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), Zorawar Kalra, said the restaurant industry could face losses of around Rs 1,200–1,300 crore per day if the disruption continues.
He said that supplies of LPG cylinders are already tightening, and nearly 70–75 per cent of restaurants across India depend on LPG for their operations. Kalra said the industry hopes the situation will improve soon and urged authorities to grant restaurants essential services status, similar to what was done during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government sources said steps taken after directions issued yesterday have helped stabilise the LPG supply situation. Oil refineries have increased LPG production by about 10 per cent. To prevent malpractices, the government has also extended the monitoring period from 21 days to 25 days. Officials clarified that the Essential Commodities Act has been invoked in this case, not the Essential Services Maintenance Act.
According to sources, India is currently in a stronger position than many other countries in handling the situation. The government is in constant contact with several countries to ensure that energy supplies remain steady and there is no disruption in the supply chain. Officials said there were concerns earlier, but the situation has now been resolved.
All refineries are operating at full capacity and there is no LPG shortage. Household consumption remains the top priority, and people have been urged not to believe rumours circulating on social media.
