New Delhi is maintaining a steady grip on its energy needs even as the Iran conflict disrupts global oil supplies. Government officials have reassured the nation that stockpiles of crude oil, petrol, diesel, and LPG are more than adequate to weather any short-term turbulence.
A senior petroleum ministry source revealed that India’s strategic reserves far exceed the volumes potentially stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. ‘We are in a comfortable position right now,’ the official stated, emphasizing that refineries have been directed to ramp up LPG production using key feedstocks like propane and butane.
Diversification has been key. Since 2022, imports from Russia have surged dramatically—from a mere 0.2% of total crude to nearly 20% in February, when India imported 1.04 million barrels per day from Moscow. This shift is helping offset any reductions from Gulf sources.
Rumors of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) shutdowns have been debunked. The facility holds ample stocks, and all LPG-producing units are boosting output to prioritize domestic supply chains.
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, affecting vital shipping lanes and even Qatar’s LNG exports, India’s proactive measures ensure no consumer faces shortages. The government stands ready to tap petrochemical alternatives if needed, underscoring a robust energy security framework that prioritizes household essentials like cooking gas.