Hardeep Singh Puri Dismisses LPG, Petrol, Diesel Shortage Fears, Highlights Diversified Oil Imports

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri has reassured citizens that India currently has sufficient fuel reserves and that the country's energy supply chain remains stable despite geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Addressing concerns about possible disruptions to oil shipments, Puri said India's fuel distribution network is operating normally and refineries are functioning at high capacity. He urged the public not to believe or circulate rumours suggesting a shortage of petrol, diesel or cooking gas.

According to the minister, India's long-term strategy to diversify crude oil sources has significantly strengthened the country's ability to manage supply shocks. One of the major steps has been reducing dependence on shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Puri explained that crude imported through routes outside the Hormuz passage now accounts for around 70 per cent of India's total supply. Earlier, this share was roughly 55 per cent before the current regional tensions intensified. This shift, he said, has helped India maintain flexibility in sourcing oil even if disruptions occur in the Gulf region.

The minister also pointed out that India has broadened its crude procurement network over the years. While the country relied on around 27 supplier nations during 2006-07, it now imports oil from about 40 countries, giving policymakers greater room to manage global volatility.

Hardeep Singh Puri noted that the current international situation is unusually complex but emphasised that India has secured adequate oil volumes to meet demand even if shipping routes in the Gulf region face interruptions.

He added that the country is also receiving regular consignments of liquefied natural gas through alternative maritime routes. These supplies, along with domestic production, are helping ensure uninterrupted electricity generation for households and industry.

To further strengthen energy security, India has expanded procurement agreements with countries including the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria and Russia.

The minister also addressed concerns about cooking gas availability. He said refineries have been directed to increase production of LPG, resulting in a 28 per cent rise in output over the past few days. Additional imports are also being arranged to maintain sufficient stock levels.

Speaking in Parliament, Puri said the government's top priority is to ensure that the kitchens of more than 33 crore Indian households continue to receive cooking gas without interruption. He added that the LPG delivery cycle remains unchanged and supply arrangements are designed to prevent shortages even during global uncertainty.