New Delhi: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has reassured citizens that there is no need for panic buying of cooking gas despite global supply disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking on Wednesday, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said that LPG consumers across the country will receive their cylinders within approximately 2.5 days of booking. She stressed that the supply chain remains stable and the government is closely monitoring the situation.
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Booking Gap Increased to Manage Demand
To ensure smooth distribution, the government has temporarily increased the minimum gap between LPG cylinder bookings from 21 days to 25 days. Officials described the move as a short-term demand management measure aimed at preventing unnecessary stockpiling.
Sharma also said the government has absorbed a significant portion of the rising global energy costs to shield consumers from sharp price increases.
Crude Oil Supply Remains Steady
Despite global uncertainties, India’s crude oil supply remains stable. The country currently consumes around 5.5 million barrels of oil every day and imports crude from roughly 40 countries.
According to officials, India’s annual oil consumption stands at about 189 million metric tonnes. Nearly 47 per cent of global supply routes have been affected due to ongoing disruptions, but the country’s diversified import network has helped limit the impact.
Importantly, nearly 70 per cent of India’s crude oil imports arrive through routes that do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing the risk of major supply shocks.
LNG Cargo and Domestic Supply Secure
Officials also confirmed that liquefied natural gas shipments are being secured from additional sources to maintain stability. Two LNG cargo shipments are currently on their way to India.
Meanwhile, domestic supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles continues to remain fully available.
LPG Prices Rise Amid Global Strain
However, global supply pressures have begun to affect domestic prices. On March 7, LPG prices were increased by ₹60 across major cities. In Delhi, a 14.2 kg domestic cylinder now costs ₹913, while the price of a 19 kg commercial cylinder has risen to about ₹1,883 after a hike of more than ₹110.
With household supplies being prioritised, several restaurants in cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Gurugram have begun adjusting operations by modifying menus and using alternative cooking methods like induction stoves, electric ovens and coal-based tandoors.
The government said it continues to monitor global developments closely to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability for consumers.