Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 17: India has begun sourcing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from multiple international suppliers, including the United States, as part of efforts to diversify imports amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, government officials said on Tuesday.
Authorities also assured that LPG distribution across the country remains smooth, with no shortages reported at any distributor.
Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing, Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery) Sujata Sharma said that while the majority of LPG imports still come from Gulf nations, oil marketing companies have started procuring additional supplies from the US to ensure energy security.
“Our oil marketing companies have begun sourcing LPG from the United States as well. The government is making continuous efforts to diversify supply sources,” Sharma said, adding that increased diversification has also helped India secure more crude oil imports.
Commercial LPG distribution, which had faced temporary disruption in some areas, has now been partially restored, with states gradually resuming supply to consumers.
To reduce pressure on domestic LPG demand, authorities have also activated alternative fuel options such as kerosene and coal in certain sectors.
Officials noted that the surge in panic-driven bookings seen earlier has begun to ease. According to the ministry, panic bookings peaked at around 89 lakh on March 13 but have since declined to about 70 lakh.
Sharma said the LPG refill distribution rate remains unchanged compared to the period before the conflict and urged consumers not to hoard cylinders or purchase fuel through illegal channels.
The ministry also emphasised that overall fuel availability in the country remains stable. Refineries are currently operating at full capacity, and adequate reserves of petrol and diesel are available.
“There is no dry-out at any LPG distributor, and supplies to consumers are continuing without disruption,” Sharma said, adding that the expansion of digital booking platforms has helped manage demand more efficiently.
Meanwhile, the Indian-flagged LPG tanker Nanda Devi arrived at Vadinar Port in Gujarat on Tuesday, becoming the second LPG carrier to reach India’s western coast this week. Another tanker, Shivalik, had docked at Mundra Port a day earlier.
Both vessels carried critical LPG cargo to India after navigating a challenging route through the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime movement has been affected by the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Officials said the safe arrival of the vessels reflects broader diplomatic and logistical efforts by India, including coordination with regional authorities and naval forces, to ensure the protection of merchant shipping and uninterrupted energy supplies.