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New Delhi, March 10: Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in India have started taking steps to increase LPG production and secure supply for domestic consumers amid disruptions in global fuel markets caused by geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) confirmed that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed companies to enhance the production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and prioritise supply for households.
The move aims to maintain uninterrupted cooking gas supply for Indian consumers during the current global energy uncertainty.
LPG Supply Priority for Households
Oil Marketing Companies stated that they are focusing on ensuring LPG availability for domestic consumers. The government has asked companies to increase LPG production and secure stocks for household consumption.
The statement said that LPG supplies will continue for all domestic consumers without disruption.
Authorities have also decided to provide LPG supply to essential non-domestic sectors, including:
- Hospitals
- Educational institutions
- Other critical public service sectors
These sectors will receive LPG supplies based on their operational needs.
Committee Formed to Review LPG Supply Requests
To manage LPG supply for other non-domestic sectors, Oil Marketing Companies have formed a three-member committee consisting of Executive Directors.
The committee will review requests from businesses and institutions that require LPG for operational purposes.
According to the statement, organisations can submit their requests through official email IDs provided by the committee.
Officials said the committee will assess each request carefully before approving LPG allocation.
Supply Decisions Based on Availability
Oil Marketing Companies clarified that LPG supply to non-domestic sectors depends largely on the availability of imported LPG products.
Due to global supply pressures, the committee may not be able to approve every request.
The statement noted that decisions will depend on:
- Product availability
- Sector importance
- Urgency of requirement
Officials confirmed that each request will be evaluated on merit before making a final decision.
Government Invokes Essential Commodities Act
The Union Government has also invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) to protect India’s domestic energy supply.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a control order directing refineries and petrochemical units to maximize LPG production and divert hydrocarbon streams toward the LPG pool.
This directive aims to maintain uninterrupted cooking gas supply across India during the current global fuel supply challenges.
Priority Allocation for Natural Gas
The Petroleum Ministry has also established a priority list for natural gas distribution to manage supply constraints.
Under the new order:
- Domestic piped natural gas supply will receive 100% allocation
- CNG supply for vehicles will receive 100% allocation
Other sectors will receive natural gas based on calibrated supply limits linked to their average consumption during the past six months.
Government Focuses on Energy Security
The government introduced these measures to maintain energy security and fuel stability in India.
Officials said the steps will ensure that households continue receiving LPG cylinders without disruption while managing the impact of global supply pressures.
The government will continue monitoring global energy markets and domestic fuel availability to protect consumers and essential sectors.
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