Is There a Need to Panic Over LPG Supply? Government Assures Steady Flow Amidst Global Tensions

Government Reassures Public on LPG Supply

New Delhi: On Friday, officials confirmed that the supply of LPG to households remains uninterrupted, urging citizens not to engage in panic booking for cylinders.

During a media briefing, Sujata Sharma, the Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted a significant 30% increase in domestic LPG production since March 5.

Sharma reassured the public that there is no need for panic buying, emphasizing that no LPG dealer has run out of stock.

She noted that LPG bookings have surged to 75.7 lakh, compared to an average of 55.7 lakh prior to the ongoing conflict, indicating a trend of panic purchasing.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has affected the supply of crude oil and petroleum products, particularly due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy transit.

This narrow passage, stretching 50 miles, connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is responsible for transporting about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

India relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, sourcing approximately 88% of its crude oil, 50% of its LNG, and 60% of its LPG, with a significant portion passing through this strait.

The escalation of conflict in West Asia, which began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by retaliatory actions from Tehran, has disrupted energy flows through this critical route.