In a detailed statement to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri assured the nation that India’s energy supplies remain secure and uninterrupted despite the unprecedented closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a critical chokepoint carrying about 20% of the world’s crude oil, natural gas, and LPG – due to the ongoing military conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The Minister described the situation as one of the most severe disruptions in modern energy history, now in its 13th day, with commercial shipping effectively halted through the strait. While neighbouring countries and others in Southeast Asia have resorted to drastic measures such as school closures, reduced work weeks, fuel rationing, and sharp price hikes (including a 20% petrol increase in one neighbour in a single week), India has avoided such steps thanks to proactive diversification and strategic planning.
Highlighting key achievements, Puri noted that India’s crude imports have shifted dramatically: non-Hormuz sourcing now accounts for approximately 70% of supplies (up from 55% pre-crisis), exceeding pre-disruption Hormuz volumes through diplomatic efforts and sourcing from 40 countries (compared to 27 in 2006-07). Refineries are running at high – even over 100% – capacity utilisation, ensuring no shortages of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF, or fuel oil. Additional PDS kerosene allocations have been made to states.
For natural gas, domestic production of around 90 MMSCMD remains stable, with prioritised allocation under the Natural Gas Control Order (issued March 9, 2026) protecting household piped gas and CNG at 100% supply. Industrial users receive up to 80%, fertiliser plants up to 70% (safeguarding agriculture), and power generation is fully protected. Shortfalls from affected Qatari imports (previously ~30 MMSCMD) are being offset by alternative LNG cargoes arriving via diverse routes.
On LPG, where 60% was previously Gulf-sourced, diversification to the US, Norway, Canada, Algeria, Russia, and remaining Gulf options is underway. The LPG Control Order (March 8, 2026) directed refineries to maximise yields, boosting production by 28% in recent days. Domestic cooking gas for over 33 crore families – especially PMUY beneficiaries – remains fully assured, with unchanged delivery cycles (average 2.5 days) and priority for hospitals and institutions.
Addressing consumer concerns, Puri clarified that reported rushes and hoarding stem from anxiety, not actual shortages. Measures include expanding Delivery Authentication Codes to 90% coverage, introducing minimum booking gaps (25 days urban, 45 days rural), and enhanced enforcement against diversion. Commercial LPG, previously deregulated, now faces regulated allocation (20% of average monthly needs) via a committee of OMC executives in coordination with states to prevent black marketing while meeting genuine hospitality sector demand.
Alternative fuels like kerosene, fuel oil, biomass, and RDF pellets are being promoted temporarily, with environmental relaxations for one month. Consumer prices have been shielded: PMUY cylinders remain at Rs 613 in Delhi (down 32% since 2023 despite global rises), non-subsidized at Rs 913, far below regional comparators (e.g., Rs 1,046 in Pakistan). Government absorption and OMC compensation (Rs 30,000 crore approved) have cushioned impacts.
Puri emphasised cooperative federalism, with recent high-level meetings across states and district monitoring committees. He called for unity, urging against rumours and praising “energy warriors” managing the crisis.
