LPG Supply Stable Despite Middle East Tensions:Govt
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Mar 19, 2026
- 551
In response to escalating tensions in West Asia and their impact on global energy markets, multiple central government ministries convened a joint press conference on Thursday to present a comprehensive assessment of the emerging oil and gas situation.
Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, described the current scenario as a “testing period” not only for India but for the global community at large, underscoring the far-reaching implications of the crisis.
Addressing concerns over domestic fuel availability, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Refineries) in the Ministry of Petroleum, acknowledged that while the ongoing conflict has exerted pressure on LPG supply chains, there is no shortage of cylinders across the country. She emphasized that distribution networks remain fully operational and stable.
The Petroleum Ministry further highlighted a significant improvement in digital adoption, noting that nearly 94% of LPG bookings are now made online, while approximately 83% of deliveries are authenticated through “Delivery Authenticate” codes. Importantly, instances of panic booking have begun to decline.
Sharma also pointed out that India has strategically diversified its crude oil sourcing, with nearly 70% of imports now originating from regions outside the Strait of Hormuz. Although global uncertainties persist, domestic fuel prices have, thus far, remained stable.
Reinforcing the government’s preparedness, the ministry confirmed that LPG supply remains normal, with around 57,000 refill bookings recorded on March 18 alone. Commercial consumers have been encouraged to transition to CNG, with several companies offering incentives to facilitate the shift.
Given the Middle East’s critical role in global energy supply, Sharma noted that the government is actively exploring alternative procurement channels to mitigate potential disruptions.
Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah. The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and expressed shared concerns over recent developments. The Prime Minister strongly condemned the attacks on Kuwait and emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery for India’s energy imports. He also expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s efforts in safeguarding the large Indian diaspora residing there.
Separately, C. Senthil Rajan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, cautioned citizens against fraudulent messages circulating on social media regarding LNG services. He urged consumers to remain vigilant, avoid misinformation, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.
Despite isolated reports of long queues at gas agencies and allegations of black marketing and hoarding, the government reiterated that there is no nationwide shortage of LPG. Authorities also dismissed widespread rumors suggesting mandatory disconnection of gas connections for failure to complete e-KYC procedures, clarifying that such requirements apply only to unverified consumers as part of efforts to curb systemic fraud.
The present anxieties stem largely from the broader geopolitical fallout of the recent U.S.-Israel military operation against Iran, launched on February 28, 2026, which targeted key military and nuclear facilities. The conflict has significantly heightened risks in the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime corridor through which nearly 80–85% of India’s LPG imports transit.
As one of the world’s largest importers of LPG, with over 60% of its domestic consumption dependent on imports, India remains particularly vulnerable to disruptions in this region. The Strait of Hormuz, a 167-kilometer-long passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, facilitates nearly 20% of global petroleum trade and serves as a crucial export route for major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait.
While heightened security risks have temporarily disrupted tanker movement through the corridor, the Indian government has consistently urged the public to refrain from panic and misinformation, maintaining that adequate supplies of both LPG and crude oil are being sustained through proactive measures and diversified sourcing strategies.