India turns to US for LPG supplies to offset Middle East disruptions

New Delhi — Amid concerns over supply disruptions due to the West Asia crisis, India has started sourcing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the United States as part of efforts to diversify imports and ensure uninterrupted availability.

Speaking at a daily briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the situation remains a concern due to the ongoing conflict, but there has been no shortage reported at LPG distributorships so far.

She noted that nearly 94 per cent of LPG bookings are now being made online, while about 83 per cent of cylinder deliveries are authenticated through delivery codes. Panic buying has also eased, with around 57 lakh refill bookings recorded recently, and supply continuing smoothly.

Sharma added that India’s crude oil supply and refinery operations remain stable, while domestic PNG and CNG supplies are running at full capacity. Consumers have also been encouraged to shift from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG), with over 5,600 users making the switch in the past three days.

Highlighting the broader strategy, she said disruptions in the Middle East — especially around the Strait of Hormuz — have prompted India to diversify its energy imports. Currently, about 70 per cent of India’s oil imports come from outside the Gulf region, including countries like the US, Russia, and African nations such as Nigeria.

To curb black marketing and hoarding, the Centre has directed states to take strict action. Around 6,000 raids have been conducted recently, including over 1,100 in Uttar Pradesh and 1,600 in Madhya Pradesh, leading to the seizure of thousands of cylinders.

Authorities have also set up control rooms in about 31 states and Union Territories, along with district-level monitoring committees in several regions to keep a close watch on supply and distribution.

Meanwhile, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said all Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers remain safe. He added that the government is closely monitoring shipping movements in the region, with several Indian seafarers returning home after completing their assignments.

The government maintains that these measures will help ensure steady LPG supply despite the evolving situation in West Asia.

With inputs from IANS