New Delhi

The government on Thursday assured that domestic supplies of LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene and natural gas remain stable despite global energy disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while urging citizens to avoid panic booking and conserve fuel.

Addressing a joint press conference on inter-ministerial developments in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said there has been a sharp rise in LPG bookings due to public anxiety.

“There is a manifold increase in bookings because of panic. We urge citizens to avoid panic booking and make efforts to conserve fuel wherever possible during this period of global uncertainty,” Sharma said.

She noted that India imports nearly 60 per cent of its LPG, with a large share of cargo earlier transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently closed for commercial shipping.

“Today is the 13th day of the war and the Strait of Hormuz is closed for commercial shipping. This is significant because we take a large portion of our imports through this route,” she said.

However, she added that after government intervention, more than 70 per cent of India’s LPG imports are now arriving through alternative routes.

Sharma emphasised that India’s strong domestic refining capacity is providing a cushion against the global disruption.

India is currently the world’s fourth-largest oil refiner, with refineries processing around 5.5 million barrels of oil per day, she said, adding that the crude oil supply situation remains comfortable.

“As far as crude is concerned, the situation is quite comfortable,” Sharma said, noting that refineries have been directed to maximise LPG production following a March 9 order issued under the Essential Commodities Act.

She said domestic LPG output has already increased from 25 per cent to about 28 per cent of total production as refineries scale up operations.

According to Sharma, India’s fuel retail and distribution networks are continuing to operate normally. Nearly 100,000 fuel retail outlets across the country are functioning without shortages, while LPG distribution through about 25,000 distributors continues smoothly.

Around 5 million LPG cylinders are being delivered daily, she added.

On the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, Sharma said the government has prioritised essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions.

A three-member committee of executive directors from oil marketing companies has been formed to manage allocations, while state governments have been asked to identify priority beneficiaries to prevent hoarding and black marketing.

To ease pressure on LPG and natural gas supplies, the government is also promoting the temporary use of alternative fuels.

Kerosene allocations to states are being increased, while coal supplies are being scaled up for small and medium consumers.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also advised state pollution control boards to permit the temporary use of biomass, refuse-derived fuel (RDF) pellets, kerosene or coal for hospitality and restaurant sectors for one month.

Senior officials of oil marketing companies are in daily contact with state governments to monitor supplies, maintain the priority distribution sequence and enforce regulations.

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Sharma added that district-level committees have also been established to prevent diversion of fuel and ensure smooth distribution during the ongoing global energy uncertainty.