No Need To Panic: India’s Crude Oil And LPG Supplies Secure Despite Global Tensions, Says Government

Amid growing global uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the Indian government has assured citizens that the country's crude oil and gas supplies remain secure. Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said there is no need for panic buying of fuel or cooking gas, as the supply chain continues to function normally.

The government has also stated that LPG cylinders are being delivered to consumers within a few days of booking, ensuring that households do not face major disruptions.

LPG Delivery Within 2.5 Days

According to Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma, LPG consumers across the country are continuing to receive their cylinders in a timely manner.

She said that, on average, LPG cylinders are delivered within about 2.5 days after booking, indicating that the distribution system remains stable.

The government has also taken steps to shield consumers from rising global energy costs. Authorities have absorbed a significant portion of the price increase to protect households from sudden spikes in fuel prices.

As a temporary demand management measure, the minimum gap between LPG cylinder bookings has been increased from 21 days to 25 days.

India's Crude Oil Supply Remains Steady

Officials said that despite global tensions, India's crude oil supply remains stable. The country currently consumes around 5.5 million barrels of oil per day.

India imports crude oil from about 40 different countries, which helps diversify its supply and reduce dependence on any single source.

Two crude oil cargo shipments are also currently on their way to India, further ensuring the availability of fuel in the coming days.

India's annual oil consumption stands at around 189 million metric tonnes.

Diversified Supply Routes Reduce Risk

Another key reason for the stability of fuel supplies is India's diversified import routes. Authorities explained that around 70 percent of India's crude oil imports come through routes other than the Strait of Hormuz.

This reduces the risk of major disruptions even if tensions affect shipping routes in certain regions.

Officials also confirmed that gas companies have secured liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from additional sources, with two LNG cargoes currently on their way to India.
Domestic supplies of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles remain fully available across the country.

LPG Prices Increase In India

Despite stable supplies, global tensions have begun to influence fuel prices.
On March 7, LPG prices were increased by ₹60 across several cities.

In Delhi, a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder now costs ₹913, while a 19 kg commercial cylinder costs about ₹1,883, following a price hike of more than ₹110.

These increases reflect rising global energy costs and supply pressures caused by geopolitical tensions.

Restaurants Adjust Operations Due To Supply Pressure

Authorities have prioritised domestic LPG supplies for households, which has affected the availability of commercial gas cylinders for businesses.

As a result, restaurants and food establishments in cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram have started adjusting their operations.

Many eateries have taken steps such as:

• Modifying their menus
• Reducing gas usage
• Using alternative cooking methods like coal-based tandoors
• Switching to induction cookers and electric ovens

These changes are intended to manage fuel usage until supply pressures ease.

Government Monitoring Situation Closely

Officials said the government is closely monitoring the global energy situation to ensure that India continues to receive adequate fuel supplies.

By diversifying import sources, securing additional LNG cargoes, and managing domestic demand, authorities aim to keep fuel availability stable while protecting consumers from major disruptions.

For now, the government has reassured the public that there is no need to worry about shortages of LPG, petrol, or other essential fuels.