LPG Production Up as India Responds to West Asia Tensions

Domestic LPG Production Rises 31% as Government Moves to Secure Cooking Gas Supply

Surge in Production Aimed at Stabilizing Supply​

New Delhi, March 14: The government said on Saturday that domestic LPG production has increased by around 31 percent as part of efforts to maintain a steady supply of cooking gas amid the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia.

The update was shared during the fourth inter ministerial media briefing, where officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Information and Broadcasting provided updates on energy supplies, maritime operations, and the safety of Indian nationals in the region.

Refineries Operating at High Capacity​

Officials from the Petroleum Ministry stated that all refineries across the country are operating at high levels and maintaining sufficient crude oil inventories.

According to the officials, India remains self sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel and does not require imports to meet domestic demand.

They also confirmed that there have been no reports of fuel shortages at petrol pumps across the country and urged consumers not to engage in panic buying, stating that adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available.

Panic Buying Pushes LPG Demand Higher​

Demand for LPG has increased in recent days as a result of panic buying.

Officials said that daily LPG bookings have risen sharply from an average of 55.7 million to approximately 88.8 million.

Despite the surge in demand, authorities stated that no shortages have been reported at LPG distribution centers so far.

Priority Supply for Households and Essential Services​

The government has prioritized domestic LPG supply for households and essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

Commercial LPG cylinders have also been made available to state governments for priority distribution wherever required.

Alternative Fuels Allowed for NCR Industries and Hotels​

To ease pressure on LPG supplies, industries, hotels, and restaurants in the National Capital Region have been temporarily permitted to use alternative fuels such as biomass pellets, coal, or kerosene in areas where natural gas is unavailable.

At the same time, state governments have intensified enforcement action to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders, conducting inspections and raids in several states.

Indian Seafarers Reported Safe​

The government also said that no new shipping incidents involving Indian seafarers have been reported in the past 24 hours.

Officials added that all Indian seafarers in the region remain safe.