India Strengthens Energy Security Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflict

In light of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Indian government has implemented measures to strengthen its energy security. By enforcing real-time data sharing among oil and gas companies, the government aims to ensure effective planning for emergencies and maintain supply chain integrity. The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) has been designated as the nodal agency for data collection, enhancing the government's ability to respond to potential crises. With adequate crude oil supply and operational refineries, India is also focusing on increasing the adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) while managing demand to prevent hoarding. This proactive approach is crucial as tensions in the region could impact India's energy imports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 12:16 IST

India's Proactive Measures for Energy Security

In response to the turmoil in the global energy market due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Indian government has taken significant steps to bolster its energy security. By invoking Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, the government has mandated that all companies in the oil and gas sector share real-time data. This initiative aims to facilitate precise planning for emergencies and to safeguard the supply chain from potential disruptions.

Mandatory Data Sharing for Oil and Gas Companies

An official indicated that under this act, all entities involved in the production, processing, refining, storage, transportation, import, export, marketing, distribution, and consumption of petroleum products and natural gas are required to provide their latest data to the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC).

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum, stated, "Yesterday, the government issued a gazette notification under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, designating PPAC as the nodal agency for data collection, compilation, maintenance, and analysis." The PPAC serves as the data custodian for the oil ministry.

Enhanced Data Collection for Emergency Planning

While PPAC has been collecting data related to the oil and gas sector, the recent notification grants it the authority to request more detailed (granular) data, almost in real-time. This will assist the ministry in planning for emergencies. Any violation of orders issued under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act is considered a criminal offense and may lead to imprisonment.

Current Status of Oil and Gas Supply in India

In her daily update on India's energy situation, Sharma mentioned that the supply of crude oil in the country is adequate, and refineries are operating at full capacity. She noted that petrol pumps are functioning normally, with no reports of petrol shortages.

Regarding the availability of natural gas, she confirmed that the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is at 100%. She added, "Commercial LPG users are being encouraged to switch to PNG through City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies where networks are available, offering incentives and quick connections."

Recent Developments in Natural Gas Connections

Thanks to government initiatives, approximately 125,000 new domestic and commercial PNG connections have been established in the past two weeks. Furthermore, over 5,600 LPG consumers have switched to PNG in the last three days.

In retaliation to Israeli attacks on Iran's South Pars gas facility, Iran's assault on Qatar's energy infrastructure poses a significant concern for India, which has substantial long-term contracts for LNG and LPG supply with Qatar. India sources nearly 47% of its total natural gas imports from this nation.

Efforts to Manage Demand and Prevent Hoarding

Commenting on demand-side management, Sharma noted that state and local administrations have been engaged to curb hoarding and black marketing. States have activated control rooms and intensified raids, while oil marketing companies are conducting inspections.

She observed that customers are increasingly opting for online bookings and are avoiding panic purchases, as gas cylinders are being delivered to their doorsteps. "Online bookings have surged to 94%." To ensure supply reaches the right consumers, approximately 83% of LPG refills have been delivered through OTP-based Delivery Authentication Codes (DAC).

Decrease in Panic Booking

"Panic bookings have decreased," she stated. On Wednesday, around 5.7 million bookings were recorded, compared to approximately 8.9 million on March 13, when panic booking peaked.