India’s domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production has increased by 40%, the government said on Wednesday, while assuring that fuel supplies remain stable despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia and concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a joint briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the country has adequate stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), with no reports of shortages at fuel stations.
LPG Supply Concerns Linked to Strait of Hormuz
While overall fuel availability remains stable, officials highlighted concerns regarding LPG imports.
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A significant portion of India’s LPG imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz
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Ongoing tensions in West Asia could impact supply routes
The government is closely monitoring the situation to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies.
Push for PNG to Reduce LPG Dependence
To ease pressure on LPG demand, the Centre has urged states and Union Territories to accelerate the transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
Key measures include:
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10% additional allocation of commercial LPG for states promoting PNG adoption
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Faster approvals for gas infrastructure expansion
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Encouraging PNG use in domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors
Officials said online LPG booking has improved significantly, reaching 93% as of March 17, indicating better service efficiency.
Ports and Shipping Operations Remain Stable
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that port operations across India remain smooth, with no congestion reported.
Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha noted:
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Mundra Port is operating at around 25% of its 400,000 TEU capacity
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Visakhapatnam Port has added 2,250 sq. metres of storage space to handle potential cargo surges
Indian Ships and Crew Safe in Gulf Region
The government confirmed that:
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22 Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the Gulf region
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Carrying 3.2 lakh tonnes of LPG, 2 lakh tonnes of LNG, and 1.67 million tonnes of crude oil
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611 Indian crew members onboard are safe
India is in continuous coordination with regional partners, including Iran, to ensure safe maritime movement.
Support Systems for Seafarers
In the past 24 hours:
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25 Indian nationals have been repatriated
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A 24×7 control room handled over 125 calls and 450 emails from seafarers and families
Government Ensures Supply Stability
Officials said the government is working closely with ports, shipping lines, and logistics stakeholders to maintain uninterrupted trade.
The safe arrival of an Indian tanker at Mundra further highlights operational stability despite global uncertainties.
Energy Security Remains a Priority
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, the government maintains that India’s fuel supply remains secure, with proactive measures in place to manage risks and ensure availability.
