New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said on Thursday that the government is taking steps to bring the ongoing LPG shortage in India under control and is exploring new avenues to secure additional supply.

Speaking to reporters, Gopi said Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had already addressed questions related to the LPG supply disruption in Parliament on Wednesday.

He noted that certain details about the crisis could not be disclosed due to diplomatic sensitivities linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.

“The Prime Minister has spoken to all countries regarding how the Hormuz Strait issue has affected lives and sought exemptions. I am not giving the exact data, but ways are opening for us to get more LPG,” Gopi said.

Priority for essential services

The minister said the government has prioritised emergency and essential services, including hospitals and crematoriums, for LPG distribution.

“We, as a ministry, feel the situation is under control. However, we have no right to control several technical aspects outside the country,” he said, adding that some technical aspects related to global supply chains remain outside India’s direct control.

Also Read| Cooking gas crisis in Kerala forces hotels to shut; schools turn to firewood for midday meals

Global impact of LPG supply disruption

Gopi noted that the LPG crisis has affected several countries and disrupted everyday life in many regions.

“Attempts are being made to overcome it. It will come under control,” he said.

Gas price regulation and supply mechanism

The minister also said there is an established mechanism to regulate gas prices, and the government acts according to its recommendations.

He added that the authority to determine prices was granted to petroleum companies because they operate as public sector undertakings.

Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz

Gopi emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz remains strategically crucial for India’s energy security. However, he stressed that military action is not an option to resolve supply disruptions.

“India cannot go to war with other countries over the issue of the Hormuz Strait,” he said, adding that he personally opposes war, a view he said is shared by many people.

Also Read| Moving around Chennai? Fuel crunch is making auto rides harder to find

Efforts to reopen businesses

Responding to concerns about restaurants and businesses shutting down due to the gas shortage, Gopi said the government is working to resolve the supply issue and restore normal operations.

“There might be strikes in protest against the crisis. But the entire world would have to go on strike in this critical situation,” he said.

He urged citizens to remain patient and exercise restraint, drawing comparisons to the discipline shown during the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises.

PTI