India's LPG Supply Strengthened Amidst US-Iran Tensions
Safe Passage of LPG Ship
In light of the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, the LPG vessel MT Sarv Shakti, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands and carrying 46,313 metric tons of Indian LPG, has successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz. It is expected to reach Visakhapatnam by May 13, 2026, bolstering the country's LPG supply.
Domestic LPG Supply Remains Steady
The government has confirmed that the supply of domestic LPG, PNG, and CNG is being maintained at 100%. On May 2, approximately 4.7 million LPG cylinders were distributed across the nation, ensuring that there is no risk of supply shortages.
Improvements in Booking and Delivery
Online bookings have surged to 99%, while DAC-based deliveries have reached 94%. In urban areas, the booking interval has been extended from 21 to 25 days, and in rural regions, it has been increased to 45 days.
Priority for Commercial LPG
The supply of commercial LPG has rebounded to about 70% of pre-crisis levels. Priority is being given to sectors such as healthcare, education, and pharmaceuticals. Since April 2026, 214,000 metric tons of commercial LPG have been sold.
Increased Supply of 5 kg Cylinders
The distribution of 5 kg cylinders for workers and those in need has been ramped up. Since April, 2.344 million small cylinders have been sold. Public sector oil companies have conducted over 10,100 awareness camps.
Expansion of PNG and CNG
Domestic PNG and CNG are receiving priority attention. Since March 2026, 604,000 new PNG connections have been activated, and 43,630 individuals have switched from LPG to PNG.
Increased Monitoring and Enforcement
States have been granted authority under the Essential Commodities Act to take action. More than 1,900 raids have been conducted, resulting in actions against 349 distributors, with 74 being suspended.
Stable Fuel and Refinery Conditions
All of the country's refineries are operating at full capacity. There is a sufficient stock of petrol and diesel, with no price hikes reported. The government has reduced excise duty by ₹10 per liter.
Safety of Indians Abroad
The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation. Flights from several countries, including the UAE, are operating normally, and 2,504 Indians have been safely evacuated from Iran. Overall, the government assures that the supply of LPG and fuel in the country is well under control, and there is no need for panic.