New Delhi: The Central government on Saturday acknowledged that the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remains a matter of concern amid escalating tensions in West Asia but assured citizens that there is no shortage of fuel supply across the country. Officials said that although public anxiety has led to a surge in bookings, no LPG distribution centre in India has reported running out of stock.
A senior official from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation as geopolitical tensions continue to affect global energy supply routes. However, the official emphasised that India currently has adequate reserves of crude oil and petroleum products, including diesel and petrol.
The government noted a sharp rise in panic bookings of LPG cylinders, with many households placing refill orders earlier than usual due to fears of a potential supply disruption. Authorities urged consumers to avoid unnecessary bookings and place orders only when they genuinely require a refill.
“There is an excessive amount of panic booking for LPG. Please book only when you actually need it,” the official said, appealing to the public to remain calm and avoid creating artificial shortages.
India is the world’s second-largest consumer of LPG, and a large portion of its supply relies on imports. According to officials, nearly 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest and most sensitive maritime energy routes. Recent tensions in West Asia have raised concerns about possible disruptions to shipping traffic through this narrow waterway.
Despite these concerns, the Centre maintained that fuel supply chains remain stable and that there has been no confirmed disruption affecting India’s energy imports. Oil marketing companies are continuing to distribute LPG cylinders to households and commercial establishments as per normal schedules.
Officials also emphasised that petrol and diesel supplies across the country remain sufficient, and there is no immediate threat to domestic availability. Authorities said contingency plans are in place to address any potential disruptions if the geopolitical situation worsens.
The government’s reassurance comes as several cities have reported long queues outside gas agencies due to increased demand. Industry experts believe the rush is largely driven by public apprehension rather than an actual shortage.
The Centre has appealed to citizens to remain patient and cooperate with authorities, stressing that responsible consumption will help ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for everyone.