India orders 30-day LPG stockpile as West Asia Conflict disrupts energy supply chains
The Central government has directed state-run oil marketing companies to build Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) reserves sufficient for at least 30 days, as tensions in West Asia continue to threaten global energy supply chains.
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the directive has been issued to major oil marketing companies including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to strengthen buffer stocks and ensure uninterrupted fuel availability.
Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said the government is taking precautionary measures to protect India from potential supply disruptions, including expanding crude oil storage capacity and enhancing strategic reserves.
She added that India currently has adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG, crude oil, and natural gas, with refineries operating at optimal levels. LPG production has reportedly reached an all-time high of around 92,000 metric tonnes per day.
The government also stated that no LPG supply shortages have been reported at distributorship levels, and delivery systems remain stable with high levels of digital tracking and authentication.
Officials further noted that enforcement agencies have intensified inspections to prevent hoarding and ensure smooth distribution of fuel across the country.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation in the Gulf region, with diplomatic missions maintaining round-the-clock support for Indian nationals amid evolving geopolitical tensions.
Shipping authorities also confirmed that Indian maritime operations remain stable, with crude oil shipments continuing to arrive safely, including vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
