NEW DELHI: India increased domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production and diversified its import sources to manage supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Tuesday.
The country raised daily LPG production from 34,000 metric tonnes to 55,000 metric tonnes while expanding the number of supplier countries from 27 to 41. The measures helped maintain uninterrupted cooking gas supplies despite disruptions affecting shipments from the Gulf region.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 29th Energy Technology and Innovation Meet, Puri stressed the importance of preparedness in dealing with unpredictable geopolitical developments. He highlighted advance planning, higher domestic output and coordination across the energy supply chain as key factors in managing the disruption.
As part of its strategy to reduce dependence on traditional supply routes, India expanded procurement from alternative sources, including the United States and Algeria. The government also pursued an agreement signed in January to source 10 per cent of the country’s LPG requirements from the US.
Higher domestic production, supported by refining capacity, further strengthened India’s ability to meet consumer demand during the supply disruption.
Puri said the experience demonstrated the need to prepare for energy emergencies even when the timing and nature of a crisis cannot be predicted accurately.
The minister also highlighted an unusual spike in LPG cylinder bookings during the crisis, attributing it to panic and rumours of shortages rather than a comparable increase in actual consumption.
India normally records around 51 lakh to 52 lakh LPG cylinder bookings daily. During the disruption, however, bookings surged to nearly 90 lakh a day.
To address the situation, the government contacted state administrations and stepped up enforcement against hoarding and the diversion of cylinders. State civil supplies departments conducted raids, and cylinders were seized during operations to identify irregularities.
Bookings subsequently began to decline, with the government maintaining that cooking gas remained available to consumers throughout the disruption.
On the wider West Asia conflict, Puri said India was dealing with the consequences of a conflict it had not initiated. He stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, while acknowledging the limitations of appeals when the parties involved remain committed to continuing hostilities.
The developments have highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen energy security through diversified imports, increased domestic production and better preparedness against global supply shocks.
