Fear not, India—your kitchen gas is safe. As long lines form at LPG distributors, the government has stepped in with facts: stocks are robust, and the booking frenzy is all in the mind.
In a Thursday briefing, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma from the Petroleum Ministry laid out the numbers. No agency reports empty shelves; the rush is from preemptive hoarding over Strait of Hormuz issues. Commercial ships are barred, but India’s oil lifeline has been redirected—70% now flows through safer channels.
Crude supplies are locked in at 5.5 million barrels per day, equivalent to pre-disruption volumes. Refineries are in overdrive, some at 100%+ capacity, ensuring refiners meet every need. Diversifying to 40 countries from 27 a decade ago has paid off handsomely.
Hospitals and schools get first dibs on commercial cylinders, protecting public health and education. To further lighten the load, environment advisors suggest a short-term pivot to biomass, kerosene, or coal.
Sharma’s calm demeanor aims to douse panic flames. With strategic reserves and agile logistics, India stands resilient against global shocks. Households are urged to book normally—plenty for all, no need for alarm. This is energy diplomacy at its best, turning crisis into confidence.