India has increased its domestic LPG production to meet nearly 60% of national demand, offering a cushion as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global energy markets. With the ongoing conflict involving Iran stretching beyond 40 days, the government is taking steps to stabilise fuel availability.
One key measure has been a push towards piped natural gas (PNG), reducing dependence on LPG cylinders. Over the past five weeks, more than 4 lakh households have shifted to PNG, helping ease pressure on LPG supplies while ensuring uninterrupted access to cooking fuel.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the expansion of PNG infrastructure is accelerating with support from states and Union Territories. In the same period, around 4.05 lakh LPG connections have been converted to PNG, while over 4.41 lakh new consumers have been added.
Despite global volatility, officials said LPG demand is being adequately met across the country, with distributors maintaining sufficient stock and no shortages reported. Commercial LPG supply, which had faced earlier disruptions, has now recovered to about 70%.
Priority allocation continues for essential sectors such as hospitals, educational institutions, hotels, dhabas, pharmaceuticals, packaging units, and labour-intensive industries.
To support economically vulnerable groups, the government has doubled the availability of 5 kg LPG cylinders and eased documentation requirements. This has boosted uptake, with nearly one lakh such cylinders currently being sold.
Since March 14, commercial LPG consumption has reached approximately 106,000 tonnes, with daily usage stabilising between 6,000 and 6,500 tonnes.
Authorities have also stepped up public outreach, conducting over 2,400 awareness campaigns in the past week to educate consumers about fuel options and access.
In the natural gas sector, domestic consumption remains the top priority. Industries connected to the gas grid are receiving around 80% of their requirements, while supply to the fertiliser sector has been restored to 95%.
City gas distribution companies have been directed to ensure uninterrupted supply to critical sectors such as food processing, cold storage, and healthcare.
Officials added that crude oil inventories remain sufficient, refineries are operating at optimal levels, and about 800 tonnes per day of petroleum products are being allocated to pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries to support essential manufacturing.
