India ramps up LPG production as Middle East tensions rattle energy markets
Amid concerns over possible fuel supply disruptions due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed refineries across India to maximise LPG production under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.
Officials said the move has already begun to show results, with domestic LPG output witnessing a steady rise in recent days.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) at the ministry, said the directive issued on March 9 has helped increase LPG production significantly.
“On March 9, the ministry issued an order under the Essential Commodities Act directing all refineries to maximise LPG production. As a result, production has increased. Yesterday it was around 25 per cent of our domestic production; now it has risen to 28 per cent,” Sharma said.
VIDEO | Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, GoI, says: “On March 09, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued an order under the Essential Commodities Act, which has directed all the refineries to maximise… pic.twitter.com/u10l9OZtIF
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 12, 2026
Government assures no LPG shortage
The directive comes as global supply chains face pressure amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about possible disruptions in fuel availability.
However, the government has assured that there is no shortage of LPG or fuel supply in the country.
Sharma said India’s extensive fuel distribution network continues to operate smoothly, ensuring uninterrupted supply.
“We have a very vast network of retail outlets. Almost one lakh retail outlets are operating in the country, and the majority of these are with public sector oil marketing companies. No dry out has been reported at any of these retail outlets,” she said.
LPG supply fully protected: Hardeep Puri
Earlier in the day, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told the Lok Sabha that there is no fuel shortage in India and that the country has sufficient crude oil reserves.
He added that LPG production has increased by 28 per cent over the past five days, with additional measures being implemented to ensure stable supply.
“The Modi government’s foremost priority is that the kitchens of India’s 33 crore families, especially the poor and the underprivileged, do not face any shortage. Domestic supply is fully protected and the delivery cycle is unchanged,” the minister said.
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