'Don't panic-book LPG refills': Govt says supply normal, delivery cycle 2.5 days

Growing concerns over a possible energy disruption amid tensions in West Asia prompted the government to issue fresh assurances on Wednesday, March 11, saying India has sufficient crude oil and LPG supplies and consumers should avoid panic booking of gas cylinders. Senior officials from multiple ministries said the country’s energy imports have been diversified to about 40 countries and crude inflow currently exceeds India’s daily consumption. Authorities also confirmed that refineries are operating at full capacity, domestic LPG production has been increased and monitoring has been stepped up across ports and shipping routes to ensure uninterrupted supply.

The assurances came during a press conference where officials explained that despite global uncertainty and rising benchmark prices, India’s energy security remains stable due to diversified sourcing, strategic logistics planning and coordinated monitoring across ministries.

Crude supply stable; inflow higher than daily consumption

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Officials said India consumes around 5.5 million barrels of crude oil per day, but the country is currently receiving more crude than its daily requirement. This surplus inflow, they said, ensures that there is no immediate risk of fuel shortages in the domestic market.

Joint Secretary in the Petroleum Ministry Sujata Sharma said India has significantly diversified its crude oil sourcing strategy over the years. While the country earlier relied on supplies from about 27 countries, it now imports crude from around 40 different nations.

Dependence on Strait of Hormuz reduced significantly

Another key step taken by the government is reducing reliance on the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that often becomes a concern during regional conflicts.

Officials said around 70 per cent of India’s crude imports are now arriving through alternative routes, reducing vulnerability to potential disruptions in the Gulf region.

The move is part of a broader energy security strategy aimed at ensuring that oil supply chains remain resilient even during global crises.

LPG delivery cycle 2.5 days; govt says no need for panic booking

The government on Wednesday said there is no need for consumers to rush for LPG refills, noting that the normal delivery cycle for domestic households remains about 2.5 days in most parts of the country. Officials said the distribution network continues to function smoothly and panic booking could unnecessarily strain supply systems. The ministry added that recent government measures have helped increase domestic LPG production by about 25 per cent, strengthening availability. Authorities also noted that crude oil shipments are increasingly arriving through routes other than the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring that overall energy supplies remain secure even as global disruptions are being closely monitored.

Refineries operating at full capacity

Government officials confirmed that all refineries across India are currently operating at full capacity to maintain steady fuel production.

The country is producing around 189 million metric standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD) of natural gas. However, about 47.4 MMSCMD of output has been temporarily affected due to force majeure conditions, officials said.

Despite these disruptions, authorities maintained that domestic energy production and imports together are sufficient to meet current demand.

LPG production increased as imports face pressure

Officials acknowledged that India depends on imports for about 60 per cent of its LPG requirements. Previously, nearly 90 per cent of these imports passed through the Strait of Hormuz, making the supply chain vulnerable during regional conflicts.

To counter potential disruptions, the government directed refineries to increase domestic LPG production. As a result, officials said refineries have raised LPG output by about 25 per cent.

In addition, oil marketing companies have formed a committee of three executive directors to monitor demand from commercial LPG consumers and plan possible diversion strategies if required to prioritise essential sectors.

Govt warns against panic booking of LPG cylinders

Authorities said the perception of a supply crisis has partly been driven by panic booking and rush orders for LPG cylinders.

Global price pressures but supply chain intact

Officials acknowledged that international price pressures remain a concern. The Saudi benchmark price for LPG has reportedly risen by about 33 per cent, reflecting volatility in global energy markets.

However, the government maintained that these global price movements have not disrupted physical supply chains in India.

Authorities said the current situation represents a global energy challenge, and the government is prioritising supply for essential sectors while advising consumers to adopt gas-saving practices wherever possible.

Ports, shipping routes under round-the-clock monitoring

Officials from the shipping ministry said major Indian ports are closely monitoring cargo movement and vessel operations to ensure smooth energy supply.

Real-time reporting systems have been activated to track cargo handling and logistics. According to the ministry, port operations across the country are functioning almost normally despite global tensions.

At present, 28 Indian-flagged vessels are operating at sea. Of these, 24 vessels with 677 Indian crew members are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four vessels carrying 101 Indians are east of the strait.

A dedicated 24-hour control room has been set up to monitor maritime developments and coordinate responses if required.

Govt monitoring safety of Indians in West Asia

Officials from the External Affairs Ministry said the government is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia, where a large number of Indian nationals live and work.

A 24-hour control room has been established to provide assistance, share security advisories and coordinate with local authorities. Efforts are also underway to help stranded travellers affected by airspace closures by arranging alternative travel routes and transit visas.

Authorities said non-scheduled commercial flights are also being explored to facilitate the return of Indian citizens if necessary.

States asked to prevent hoarding and rumours

The Union Home Secretary held a meeting with all states and Union Territories, directing local administrations to prevent hoarding and black marketing of fuel and LPG cylinders.

States have been advised to appoint designated spokespersons to ensure that verified information reaches the public quickly and rumours are contained.

Officials also emphasised the role of local media in preventing misinformation that could trigger panic among consumers. Despite the volatile geopolitical situation in West Asia, the government said India’s energy supply system remains stable due to diversified imports, strong refinery operations and coordinated monitoring across ministries.

Officials reiterated that there is no need for consumers to panic, urging households to avoid unnecessary LPG bookings and follow gas-saving practices while authorities continue to monitor the global situation closely.