New Delhi: As geopolitical instability in the Middle East threatens global energy corridors, the Indian government has initiated a strategic shift in its energy procurement. To bridge potential supply gaps, India is now sourcing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from the United States, reducing its historical reliance on Gulf nations.

During a press briefing on Thursday, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery) at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, addressed the current energy climate. "Due to the ongoing war, the situation remains a matter of concern. However, there is no dry-out reported at any LPG distributorship. Online bookings have further increased to 94 per cent," Sharma stated.

Stabilising domestic supply

Despite the regional conflict, the Ministry reports that domestic operations remain robust. Panic-buying has subsided, with approximately 57 lakh refill bookings recorded on Wednesday. To ensure transparency and prevent hoarding, 83% of deliveries are now verified via authentication codes.

Sharma noted that while the conflict poses risks, the country’s infrastructure is holding steady: "LPG cylinder delivery is proceeding normally," she said, adding that crude oil processing and refinery operations have not been hindered.

The shift to PNG and global diversification

A key part of the government's strategy involves migrating consumers from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG). In just three days, over 5,600 users have made the switch. "Domestic PNG and CNG are being supplied 100 per cent. We request users to shift from LPG to PNG," Sharma urged.

India’s broader strategy involves bypassing the volatile Strait of Hormuz—a transit point for 20% of global oil and gas. Currently, 70% of India’s oil imports originate from non-Gulf nations, including Russia, the US and African partners like Nigeria.

"Anything that impacts the Middle East will impact India," Sharma remarked, highlighting the necessity of these diverse trade routes.

Cracking down on black marketing

To protect consumers, the Centre has launched a massive nationwide crackdown on illegal hoarding. Recent enforcement actions include:

6,000 raids conducted across various states

  • Uttar Pradesh: 1,100 raids resulting in 1,000 seized cylinders.
  • Madhya Pradesh: 1,632 raids with 2,300 cylinders confiscated.

Control rooms and monitoring committees have been established in the majority of states and Union Territories to oversee distribution.

Maritime safety and seafarers

Addressing maritime concerns, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary (Ports, Shipping and Waterways), confirmed that Indian assets in the region are secure. "There are 22 vessels in the West of the Strait of Hormuz. In the last 24 hours, over 16 Indian seafarers have returned to India after completion of their sign-off formalities," Sinha reported, noting that the Ministry is maintaining a 24/7 watch on West Asian shipping lanes.

IANS