‘No Need to Panic’: Centre Assures Adequate LPG, Petrol, Diesel, CNG, PNG Supply Amid US-Iran War Concerns

Amid rising concerns over the availability of LPG cylinders, petrol, diesel, CNG and PNG, the central government on Friday, March 13, reassured the public that there is "no need to panic", even as supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran-US war in the Middle East raise fears about global energy supplies.

India is self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel, and there is no "need to import these fuels to India". Additionally, all refineries in the country are "operating at 100% capacity or higher" and hold adequate inventories of crude oil, said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, on Friday, March 13.

"The supply of PNG (Piped Natural Gas) to domestic consumers and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is being ensured without any interruptions or cuts. Given this situation, there is absolutely no need for panic," said Sharma.

"Regarding commercial consumers in our major urban cities and centers, many of whom are currently facing difficulties due to their reliance on LPG supplies, the Government of India is making every effort to address their concerns. We appeal to all such commercial consumers to contact their local CGD (City Gas Distribution) network provider or their designated dealer to obtain a PNG connection," Sharma added.

Domestic Production of LPG Pumped By 30%

To avoid adequate supply of LPG among domestic consumers as well as in other mandatory sectors, the domestic production of LPG has been increased by 30% as of Friday.

"Regarding commercial cylinders, these have been placed at the disposal of the State Governments to facilitate priority distribution. We are requesting the State Governments to determine the priority criteria and ensure that these commercial cylinders effectively reach the intended consumers," said Sharma.

Petrol Diesel Available In Adequate Quantity Across Petrol Pumps, Do Not Panic

Urging the citizens to not opt for panic hoarding of LPG cylinders, petrol, and other fuels, Sujata Sharma said, "Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps. Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us. Nevertheless, despite this situation, no dry out has been reported at any of our 25,000 distributors. I would like to appeal to all fellow citizens not to give credence to rumors and to refrain from engaging in panic buying."

LPG Supply Concerns in India Amid Iran-US War

The statement on the availability of LPG, cooking gas, petrol and diesel in India came as the US-Iran war in the Middle East nears its two-week mark. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are raising crude oil risks for India.

The country depends on imports for about 85% of its crude needs. Around 40-50% of this imported crude moves through the narrow Strait of Hormuz. This leaves India's supply routes exposed if conflict in the region escalates further.

Centre Closely Monitoring Situation in Persian Gulf

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is closely monitoring the situation of Indian vessels and other shipment stuck at the Persian Gulf amid US-Iran war.

Three casualties of seafarers was reported and another seafarer remains missing, few others sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment, said Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Shipping Ministry, GoI.

"To the west of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Persian Gulf, there are 24 Indian-flagged vessels, carrying a total of 677 Indian seafarers, the same number as yesterday. To the east of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Gulf of Oman, there were previously four vessels; yesterday, one of them-the Jag Prakash, an oil tanker-departed the area. Consequently, three Indian-flagged vessels now remain in that region, carrying 76 Indian seafarers. Furthermore, across the entire Gulf region, there are approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers working on various vessels-including merchant ships and offshore vessels," stated Rajesh Kumar.