The Aryavarth Express New Delhi, March 27: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has affirmed that India has sufficient crude oil, petrol, and diesel stocks, and is ensuring uninterrupted supply of LNG and LPG despite disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
At a joint inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), stated that the country currently holds adequate crude inventories, with supplies secured for the next two months. She noted that refineries are operating at full or above capacity and that domestic LPG production has risen by around 20%.
Addressing the impact of global tensions, Sharma explained that international prices of crude, LPG, and LNG have increased due to supply disruptions. However, the government has implemented several measures to manage the situation and maintain stability in domestic fuel supply.
“We are currently in a war-like situation, affecting crude oil, LPG, and LNG supplies. While international prices have surged, the Government of India has taken multiple decisions to ensure continuity. Crude inventories are sufficient, refineries are operating at 100% or above, and LPG production has increased by 20%,” Sharma said.
Highlighting India’s heavy reliance on LPG imports—about 90% of which pass through the Strait of Hormuz—she said the government prioritized domestic consumers by temporarily curtailing commercial gas supplies. These supplies have now been gradually restored in phases, rising from 20% to 70%.
“Commercial supplies were initially reduced to prioritize domestic users. They were restored in stages—20%, then 30%, later 50%, and currently 70%—supporting the expansion of the PNG network,” Sharma added.
Since March 14, around 30,000 tonnes of commercial gas have been supplied, with priority given to essential sectors such as restaurants, hotels, industrial canteens, migrant workers, and key industries including steel, automobiles, textiles, chemicals, and plastics. Additionally, approximately 30,000 small 5-kg cylinders have been distributed to migrant laborers under the Free Trade LPG scheme.
The government stated that these measures have helped stabilize supply chains and ensure the availability of critical fuels across India.
“Through these efforts, essential LPG supplies have been secured for both domestic and commercial consumers, ensuring smooth operations across priority sectors,” Sharma said.
