LPG Supply Restored After Hormuz Blockade, Government Says Refineries Running at Full Capacity

Government sources said the temporary disruption in cooking gas supply following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has been resolved, with domestic production of LPG increasing by 10 percent across oil refineries.

Sources told NDTV that all refineries are currently operating at 100 percent capacity after the government issued directions to increase production. Officials said the country has adequate energy supplies and there is no LPG crisis.

According to the sources, not a single LPG distributor in the country has run out of supply.

To address consumer concerns, the government has also formed a three member committee to handle grievances related to LPG supply.

Measures taken to stabilise LPG supply

Sources said the government has extended the LPG refill monitoring window from 21 days to 25 days to curb malpractices.

Authorities have also invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prevent hoarding and ensure the availability of essential items.

Officials said household consumption remains the top priority in LPG distribution. Commercial and industrial supply has been reduced and diverted to domestic users and public transport.

Impact of the Hormuz blockade

Concerns over fuel supply had emerged after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key energy shipping routes.

Sources said there is no immediate possibility of supplies resuming through the strait. However, the government has increased procurement through alternative channels.

Earlier, around 55 percent of procurement was routed through other supply lines. That figure has now increased to about 70 percent.

Energy supply and imports

Officials said India is currently in a stronger position compared to several other countries in terms of energy availability.

Sources said the country continues to import crude oil from Russia. “Last month everyday 1.04 million barrels was bought. It was almost 20 per cent of our supply,” sources said.

Officials added that the government is in regular contact with several countries to maintain an uninterrupted energy supply chain.

“We are taking care of our domestic consumers but at the same time those countries which are in dire need of, export is continuing to them. We can't stop export to them but our priority is domestic customers,” an official said.

The government has also urged people not to believe misinformation about LPG shortages circulating on social media.