60% LPG imported, 90% via Hormuz: Centre shares updates on LPG supply, says 2 LNG cargoes on way

The Centre on Wednesday said 60% of LPG is imported in India, and nearly 90% of these supplies come through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the country’s heavy dependence on a key global energy route that has come under strain due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, government officials said two liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes are currently on their way to India, a government official said on March 11, seeking to ease concerns over a possible gas shortage amid global supply disruptions.

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Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said crude oil supplies to the country remain secure despite tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. “Crude supply remains secure. The volumes secured today are higher than what we normally receive through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil marketing companies have sourced crude cargoes from multiple countries, and about 75% of crude is now coming through routes other than Hormuz, compared with around 55% earlier,” she said.

Addressing reports of panic booking of LPG cylinders, Sharma said there is no need for consumers to rush. “Our normal delivery cycle for domestic LPG continues to be around 2.5 days. Customers should not panic or make advance bookings unnecessarily,” she said.

She added that the government is closely monitoring the energy situation and taking necessary steps to maintain stable supplies amid the ongoing global crisis.

“Our refineries are operating at the highest capacity utilisation, with some running above 100% of their rated capacity. India’s total gas consumption is around 189 mmscmd, of which about 97.5 mmscmd is produced domestically and the rest is imported. Around 47.4 mmscmd of supply has been impacted due to force majeure conditions,” Sharma said.

Disruptions in maritime movement in the region have begun to affect LPG availability, forcing the government to take emergency steps to stabilise domestic supply.

Officials said the situation has led to a temporary supply crunch in some areas, prompting authorities to invoke provisions under the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise fuel allocation. LPG and CNG have now been placed on the priority list to prevent hoarding and ensure that essential consumption is not affected.

To boost domestic production, the government has directed refiners and gas processors to divert all C3 and C4 hydrocarbon streams specifically for LPG manufacturing. These components, which are normally used for multiple petrochemical purposes, are being rerouted to increase cooking gas output.

The Centre also said that essential sectors will continue to receive uninterrupted supply. Adequate commercial LPG is being provided to hospitals, institutions and other critical services, while household consumption remains the top priority.

Officials said the emergency measures are aimed at managing the impact of global supply disruptions until normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resumes.