New Delhi

State-run oil marketing companies on Tuesday said they have initiated measures to increase production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and prioritise supplies for domestic consumers amid disruptions to global fuel supplies caused by geopolitical tensions.

In a joint statement, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited said the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed higher LPG production while securing stocks for household consumption and essential sectors.

“In light of current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on LPG availability, the ministry has taken steps to increase LPG production and secure it for domestic customers,” the companies said.

The statement added that while supplies to all domestic consumers will be ensured, LPG will also be provided as required to essential non-domestic sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

To review demands from other non-domestic sectors, the oil companies said a committee of three executive directors from the companies has been formed to examine requests and prioritise LPG allocation.

“In case any requirement is considered essential in other sectors, submissions can be made to the committee through the official email IDs provided. Since non-domestic LPG supply depends on imported products, the committee may not be able to address every grievance,” the statement said, adding that requests will be considered based on product availability and merit.

Amid mounting pressure on global energy supplies due to the West Asia conflict, the Union government has also invoked the Essential Commodities Act to safeguard domestic energy availability.

According to the ministry, a control order has been issued directing refineries and petrochemical units to maximise LPG production and divert key hydrocarbon streams into the LPG pool to ensure uninterrupted supply of cooking gas across the country.

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The ministry said the order also establishes a priority framework for natural gas distribution. Under the new mandate, household piped natural gas and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles will receive 100 per cent assured supply, while other sectors will face calibrated supply caps based on their average consumption over the previous six months.