Prime Minister Narendra Modi
| Photo Credit:
ANI
Meanwhile, domestic refineries have increased production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and the government has maintained that there is “no crisis” or “shortage” for households.
“This is an issue of concern for us, particularly with a major portion of our imports (of LPG) coming from the Strait of Hormuz (SoH). The closure of SoH is a little matter of concern,” said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), on Friday.
India consumed 33 million tonnes (mt) LPG in FY25, of which 20.67 mt was imported. Of the total imports, almost 90 per cent came from West Asia via the Strait.
“The government’s highest priority is to ensure uninterrupted LPG supplies to households across the country. At the same time, supplies are also being ensured for critical sectors like hospitals, educational institutions and other essential services,” she said.
Sufficient stocks
Sharma noted that domestic LPG production from refineries has increased by over 30 per cent (since March 5) compared to production before the crisis. Cylinders for consumers have been put at the disposal of States for priority distribution.
Based on Oil Ministry’s data, India’s average per day production of LPG stood at around 37,355 tonnes in January 2026 (latest). Compared with January’s output, India’s average daily LPG production may have increased to 48.562 tonnes.
The MoPNG official stressed that the country has no shortfall of natural gas (liquefied natural gas). Besides, India’s crude oil supply is in “good position” and refinery inventory is “fine”.
She also emphasised that there is “no shortage” of piped natural gas (PNG), which is supplied to households for cooking. Sharma said that there are roughly 60 lakh LPG-using households that are near city gas distribution (CGD) centres and can “immediately” switch to PNG.
Around 3.73 million standard cubic meters per day (MSCMD) of gas is being consumed across the domestic PNG segment, for which adequate gas is available across geographical areas (GAs).
More than 1.5 crore PNG households in India are currently being served natural gas in their homes and will continue to be served without any hindrance, Sharma said.
“In order to ease supply concerns related to LPG, the government is directing CGD entities to immediately offer new PNG connections to the affected commercial and industrial consumers in urban centres,” she added.
The government has also requested all concerned local bodies, highway authorities and State governments to expedite clearances for laying of pipeline by CGD entities.
The commercial and industrial consumers shall contact their local city gas distribution company for new connections.
Iran parleys
As India rushed to manage its limited LPG supplies with no imports expected from the Strait of Hormuz, PM Modi on Thursday night dialled Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the “serious situation” in West Asia.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” PM said on X.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday and Friday. Both leaders have spoken four times since the US-Israel offensive against Iran began (February 28).
On Friday, Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said, “We are trying to solve the problem, and you can expect good news in the near future.”
On Iran allowing Indian ships to transit the Strait, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, said, “Actually, there have been some discussions concerning this, and I am sure that India will benefit from oil, gas, and other resources. But I think the complete solution is that leaders of the world have to come together.”
They should go to the US and convince President (Donald) Trump that this war is an unjust war against civilians and that it has to stop, he added.
“They should also put pressure on the Zionist regime to stop this war. We didn’t create this war, we didn’t initiate this war, we didn’t start this war… We are ready to share our blood on the earth, but we are not ready to sell our dignity,” he said.
Published on March 13, 2026