New Delhi

Amid the ongoing energy crisis in West Asia, government sources on Saturday said that Qatar has assured India that supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) will resume immediately once shipping routes reopen.

According to officials, Qatar has conveyed that deliveries to India will begin “from the very first minute” after normal movement through the Strait of Hormuz resumes.

The crucial maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, disrupting the movement of energy cargo in the region.

Government sources, however, indicated that cargo operations near the Strait of Hormuz may resume soon following assurances from Iran that it will not target neighbouring countries unless attacks originate from their territory.

Officials also said India currently has sufficient LNG reserves and has received supply offers from multiple countries willing to export gas to the Indian market.

To reduce risks linked to geopolitical tensions, the government has taken steps to diversify its energy import sources and reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz route.

Sources said India has increased crude procurement from alternative regions, adding that imports from sources outside the Strait of Hormuz have risen from around 60 per cent to nearly 70 per cent of the country’s total crude purchases.

The government also reassured consumers that the ongoing global situation will not lead to an immediate rise in domestic fuel prices.

Officials confirmed that there are no plans at present to increase the prices of petrol and diesel, reiterating that transport fuel rates will remain unchanged.

At the same time, they said India’s overall energy stock position is improving despite volatility in West Asia. According to sources, recent reviews suggest that the country’s reserves are strengthening, providing greater confidence in handling supply disruptions.

Responding to political criticism regarding a possible increase in cooking gas prices, the government clarified that its earlier assurance on price stability applied only to petrol and diesel and not to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

READ MORE: Mumtaz Thaha, Thrissur’s first Muslim woman Councillor

Sources added that while there were earlier concerns regarding LPG availability, the situation has improved and stock levels are now more comfortable.