India is actively working to manage a growing LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) shortage triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
According to Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the impact of the crisis is already being felt across the country. A major concern has been the disruption of supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that previously handled nearly 90 percent of India’s LPG imports.
To counter this disruption, the government has shifted its sourcing strategy. India is now increasing LPG imports from the United States while also securing LNG supplies from countries such as Australia and Russia. In parallel, efforts are underway to explore alternative energy sources to reduce dependency on traditional supply routes.
Despite these measures, the supply situation remains under strain. Several sectors, including restaurants and small industries, have reported operational challenges due to limited LPG availability. In many regions, long queues for cylinders continue to persist, highlighting the pressure on distribution systems.
Officials noted that around 93 percent of consumers are now using online booking platforms, which has helped streamline the process. However, authorities have urged citizens to rely on home delivery services instead of crowding distribution centres.
The broader global situation continues to add uncertainty. The conflict intensified following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, with retaliatory actions now targeting critical energy infrastructure such as oil and gas facilities. This marks a significant escalation, as both sides increasingly focus on disrupting energy supply chains.
While the government remains confident that its diversification strategy will help stabilise the situation over time, the ongoing geopolitical tensions suggest that energy markets—and consequently domestic LPG availability—may continue to face volatility in the near future.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
