In a proactive move to secure energy supplies, India has begun sourcing LPG from the United States alongside traditional Middle Eastern suppliers, according to government sources. This diversification is critical as geopolitical tensions threaten to choke off vital imports.
During Thursday’s press briefing, Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry’s Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma dismissed shortage fears, pointing out zero reports of depleted stocks at distributors. The ongoing Middle East conflicts have heightened risks, yet India’s supply chain holds firm.
Digital adoption is booming: online refills hit 94%, and 83% use secure authentication for deliveries. Wednesday’s 5.7 million bookings signal reduced hoarding panic, with normal distribution persisting everywhere.
Crude operations and PNG/CNG flows remain fully operational. Sharma encouraged PNG adoption over LPG, celebrating 5,600+ switches in three days. This pivot eases pressure on LPG reserves.
Long aware of Middle East dependencies, India now imports 70% of its oil from alternatives like the US, Russia, and Nigeria. This robust strategy mitigates global shocks effectively.
Anti-hoarding drives intensified with 6,000 raids on Wednesday. Uttar Pradesh seized 1,000 cylinders from 1,100 checks; Madhya Pradesh grabbed 2,300 in 1,632 operations. Strict penalties await offenders.
Nationwide, 31 regions host control rooms, and 25 have local oversight panels. Swift state-level responses are bolstering supply integrity.
On the seas, Ports Ministry’s Rajesh Kumar Sinha affirmed safety for Indian ships and personnel in the Gulf. Twenty-two vessels operate west of Hormuz Strait; 16+ crew members returned home recently. Vigilant oversight prevails.