New Delhi: Amid concerns over disruptions in cooking gas supplies due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held high-level discussions with senior ministers to assess the situation and ensure adequate availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the country.
The meeting was attended by Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The deliberations focused on the potential impact of the ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States on India’s energy supply chain.
Officials said the government has activated contingency measures to protect domestic consumers from any prolonged supply disruption. The immediate concern stems from the closure of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route through which a large portion of global oil and gas shipments pass.
India depends heavily on overseas sources for LPG. Nearly 62 per cent of the country’s overall LPG demand is met through imports, and a significant portion of those shipments—estimated between 85 and 90 per cent—normally travel through the Strait of Hormuz. With the route currently affected by security tensions, authorities are exploring alternative supply options to maintain stable stocks.
According to government estimates, India’s annual LPG consumption stands at around 31.3 million tonnes. The bulk of this demand comes from households, which account for roughly 87 per cent of total usage. The remaining 13 per cent is consumed by the commercial sector, including hotels, restaurants and industrial establishments.
In order to ensure uninterrupted cooking gas supply for households, the government has prioritised the domestic segment in its distribution strategy. As a result, commercial users—who rely on market-priced cylinders—are experiencing tighter supply conditions.
Officials indicated that the government is closely monitoring the global energy situation and coordinating with suppliers to secure additional shipments if necessary. The review meetings are expected to continue as authorities assess developments in the region and their possible impact on India’s fuel availability.
