Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri on Thursday announced that the supply of commercial LPG cylinders will commence from today, aiming to address shortages caused by global energy disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict and attacks on the Strait of Hormuz. The minister informed the Lok Sabha that 20% of the average monthly commercial LPG requirement will be allocated immediately by oil marketing companies (OMCs) in coordination with state governments to prevent hoarding and black marketing.

Puri highlighted that alternate fuel options are being deployed to ease pressure on LPG supplies. Kerosene will be distributed through retail and public distribution channels, while fuel oil will be made available for industrial and commercial consumers. He also emphasized that domestic LPG supply remains fully protected, with production having increased by 28% over the past five days.

“The refineries are operating at high capacity utilisation, in several cases exceeding 100%. There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel, or fuel oil. Availability of all fuels is fully assured,” Puri said, reassuring the House amid rising concerns among businesses and households. He noted that reports indicate hoarding and black marketing are largely at the supplier level, and the minimum booking period for LPG cylinders has been extended to 25 days to manage distribution efficiently.

Also Read: Government Prioritises Domestic LPG Supply Amid Middle East Oil Disruption

The minister stressed that India is navigating a “historical global energy crisis” but remains well-prepared. Due to proactive diplomatic outreach, India has secured crude volumes exceeding what would have been delivered via the disrupted Strait of Hormuz. He noted that non-Hormuz crude sourcing has risen to 70% of total imports, up from 55% before the conflict, with India now importing from 40 countries compared to 27 in 2006–07.

Puri also confirmed that liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports are being sourced from the United States, Norway, and other nations to reinforce energy security. The measures are intended to ensure that both domestic and commercial fuel requirements continue uninterrupted, despite global market turbulence.

The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny from opposition parties and business groups concerned about the impact of the LPG shortage on restaurants, small industries, and urban households across the country.

Also Read: Around 2.5 Million Barrels of India's Daily Oil Imports Transit the Strait of Hormuz