Blurb
As per the Ministry of Defence, India currently possesses 60 days of crude oil reserves, 60 days of natural gas and 45 days of LPG rolling stock, ensuring uninterrupted supply across the country
New Delhi
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday chaired the fifth meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers to review risks to India’s energy supply chains and the availability of essential commodities amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Following the high-level meeting, Singh said the government under the leadership of Narendra Modi is taking all necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential goods and energy resources nationwide.
In a message posted on X, the Defence Minister urged people not to panic and assured that concrete measures are being implemented to prevent shortages or disruptions in supply chains caused by the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, retail prices of petrol and diesel remain unchanged despite the recent surge in global crude oil prices. The ministry also stated that sufficient fuel stocks are available at petrol pumps operated by public sector oil companies across India.
The statement confirmed that refineries are currently operating at high capacity levels with adequate crude oil inventories. Public sector companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, are maintaining sufficient reserves of petrol and diesel to meet domestic demand.
To support household energy requirements, local production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from refineries has also been increased. Officials said public sector oil companies are distributing nearly 50 lakh domestic LPG cylinders every day to ensure uninterrupted cooking fuel supplies.
The government reported that no dry-outs or supply shortages have been observed at LPG distributorships despite the disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict. Online LPG booking rates have also increased significantly, reaching 99 per cent according to official figures.
Authorities have intensified monitoring measures to prevent diversion and black marketing of cooking gas. Around 95 per cent of LPG deliveries are now verified using authentication codes sent to consumers’ registered mobile numbers.
Oil companies are also promoting the use of small 5 kg LPG cylinders, particularly among migrant labourers and low-income consumers. Since April 3, more than 10,700 awareness camps have been organised to encourage wider adoption of these cylinders.
In addition, the government said progress continues in expanding the Piped Natural Gas network. Around 6.5 lakh PNG connections have already been activated, while infrastructure for an additional 2.66 lakh connections has been completed. Over 7 lakh customers have also registered for new gas connections.
Enforcement agencies have stepped up operations against hoarding and illegal LPG distribution across the country. Officials said more than 2,000 raids are being carried out daily to curb black marketing activities.