New Delhi, March 23: As tensions continue to rise in West Asia, the country has witnessed a significant shift with 1.9 lakh consumers moving from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), amid ongoing gas shortages. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, confirmed that domestic LPG now meets only 50-60% of the current demand, while the government continues its efforts to address supply challenges.
Sharma further explained that the government is sourcing LPG from every available supplier, with countries such as Algeria, Australia, Canada, and Norway approaching India to offer LPG. This move is part of India's broader strategy to diversify its LPG partners and secure more supplies.
During a recent inter-ministerial briefing, senior officials outlined the government's preparedness regarding energy supplies, port operations, and evacuation efforts. While the situation remains stable in several areas, there are certain concerns that the government is actively addressing.
On the availability of fuel, Sharma reassured the public that "crude oil inventories remain adequate," signaling no immediate risk to reserves. Petrol pumps are operating smoothly, and Sharma dismissed reports suggesting a reduction in LPG refill quantities for households, calling such reports "highly speculative."
She also touched upon India’s oil imports, stating that the purchase of crude from countries like Iran is a matter of "techno-commercial deals," which are under consideration by oil marketing companies. India is expected to become a major buyer of Iranian crude oil following the 30-day US sanction waiver that allowed it to acquire stranded barrels.
Regarding LPG distribution, Sharma provided an update that commercial LPG has been allocated across 20 states and Union Territories, with 15,800 tonnes already supplied. In an effort to manage demand, she appealed to consumers to conserve LPG and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) wherever possible.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, assured the public that port operations remain stable despite geopolitical challenges. He confirmed that in the last 24 hours, 13 seafarers had been repatriated and that no congestion had been reported at any ports. Two LPG tankers,Pine GasandJag Vasant, carrying approximately 92,000 MT of LPG, have already commenced their journey through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, evacuation efforts from the Gulf region continue to be a priority. Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, reported that since February 28, over 375,000 passengers have returned to India from the region. Flight operations remain robust, with 95 flights expected to operate from the UAE to India today, and Qatar Airways running 8-10 flights. Mahajan also noted that 1,031 Indians have successfully crossed out of Iran so far.
These coordinated efforts aim to ensure that supply chains remain intact, while also focusing on the safety and well-being of Indian citizens in the region.
