Govt ramps up LPG supply amid crisis amid Hormuz crisis
What's the story
The Indian government has announced a series of measures to ensure an uninterrupted fuel supply and gas access in light of the ongoing crisis in West Asia. The measures also include support for Indians stranded abroad. Despite fears of a possible disruption due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, authorities have assured that India's energy supply chain is stable.
Supply stability
Government steps up refinery output
The government has stepped up refinery output and ensured adequate inventories to keep the energy supply chain stable. To prevent panic buying, citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary purchases of petrol and diesel and unnecessary bookings of LPG. The Centre has also capped commercial LPG allocation at 70% of pre-crisis levels while prioritizing domestic consumption.
Relief efforts
Intensified raids against hoarding and black marketing
Among the relief measures, over 71,000 small LPG cylinders were sold in a single day. The government has also intensified raids against hoarding and black marketing, with over 3,700 raids conducted in a day. Public sector oil marketing companies have issued around 1,000 show-cause notices to distributors so far.
Alternative fuels
Push for alternate fuels
The government is also pushing for a shift to alternative fuels like piped natural gas (PNG) and electric cooking solutions. More than 3.5 lakh new PNG connections have been gasified since March 2026, with city gas distribution companies directed to give priority to commercial establishments. In the industrial sector, gas supplies are being ramped up, with fertilizer plants receiving increased supply from April 6.
Price protection
Government cuts excise duties on petrol, diesel
To protect consumers from rising global crude prices, the government has slashed excise duties on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per liter. Export duties of ₹21.5 per liter on diesel and ₹29.5 per liter on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) have also been imposed to ensure domestic availability.
Maritime stability
Maritime operations remain stable
Maritime operations remain stable, with LPG vessel Green Sanvi safely transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Directorate General of Shipping has facilitated the repatriation of over 1,320 Indian seafarers so far. Indian missions across West Asia continue to operate 24x7 helplines for nationals needing travel or emergency support.