Finance
India has been procuring LPG from different worldwide channels, including the United States, to diversify supply in the midst of the current Middle East turmoil, the government said on Tuesday, adding that there is no ‘dry out’ at any LPG distributor and that supplies remain stable across the country.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Marketing and Oil Refinery at the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, stated during an inter-ministerial briefing that the majority of LPG comes from the Gulf region.
“Our OMCs have started taking LPG from the US. Government is putting all efforts to diversify sources of LPG too,” said Sharma, adding that: “We are getting more crude today due to increased diversification.”
Commercial LPG supplies have also been partially restored, with states resuming distribution.
To ease pressure on domestic LPG demand, alternative fuels such as kerosene and coal have also been activated.
Sharma noted that panic-driven demand is easing. “There is a downward trend in panic booking. On March 13, there were 89 lakh panic bookings. It has come down to 70 lakh today.”
LPG refill distribution rate remains the same as before the conflict, she said, urging consumers to avoid hoarding and avoid black-market purchases.
According to the ministry, fuel availability remains stable, with refineries running at full capacity and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel.
“There is no dry out at any LPG distributor, and supplies to consumers remain smooth,” Sharma said. Also, a strong push toward digital platforms has improved booking patterns.
Meanwhile, the Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) ship ‘Nanda Devi’ landed at Vadinar Port in Gujarat on Tuesday, becoming the second LPG carrier to reach the west coast this week after the ‘Shivalik’ moored at Mundra Port the day before.
Both vessels were bringing essential LPG supplies to India after a particularly dangerous trip through the Strait of Hormuz, where marine traffic has been interrupted by the ongoing confrontation between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
The Nanda Devi’s landing in Kandla coincides with broader diplomatic and logistical efforts to protect commerce ships, including negotiations with regional authorities and coordination with Navy assets.
Source: IANS
