India Urges Calm Amid LPG Supply Strain
India has asked consumers not to panic over cooking gas availability and encouraged energy conservation as supply disruptions linked to the U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran affect fuel shipments. The government invoked emergency powers directing refiners to maximise LPG production and reduce supplies to industries to safeguard domestic cooking fuel needs for over 333 million households. Officials said panic bookings and hoarding were largely driven by misinformation.
Authorities reported a 25% increase in local LPG output, but tighter supplies are already impacting restaurants, hotels, and industrial users. India relies heavily on imports, which meet around 60% of LPG demand, with nearly 90% sourced from the Middle East. Shipping disruptions through key Gulf routes and supply constraints from Qatar have also affected liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, prompting the diversion of gas from non-priority sectors to essential users.
To stabilise supplies, India is securing alternative fuel sources, including LNG cargoes already en route and additional crude purchases, including Russian oil following a temporary sanctions waiver. Officials said refineries are operating at full capacity and the government is closely monitoring global developments to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability while protecting households and priority sectors.
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