Middle East War Impact: Due to the war in West Asia, crude oil prices have crossed 100 dollars. Is there going to be a shortage of petrol, diesel and LPG in India? The government has given a big update regarding supply, LPG production and prices.
The ongoing war in West Asia has increased the pressure on the energy supply of the entire world. In such a situation, questions are being raised in the minds of people regarding petrol, diesel and gas in India too. At many places, long queues were seen at petrol pumps due to rumours.
But the government says there is no need to panic. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, adequate arrangements have been made for crude oil, LPG and other fuels in the country and the supply is secure for the coming months also.
Crude oil supply affected due to war
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, told in the inter-ministerial press conference that due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the global supply of crude oil, LPG and LNG has been affected. Crude oil prices have also increased rapidly in the international market. The price of Indian crude oil basket has increased from around $70 per barrel to more than $100. However, he clarified that the Government of India has taken strategic decisions at many levels to handle the situation.
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Government claims: Two months supply secured
According to the Petroleum Ministry, India has sufficient reserves of crude oil.
The government said that
- At least two months of crude oil supply has been ensured in the country.
- Availability of LPG and PNG also remains normal
- All refineries are operating at or above full capacity
This means that common people will not have to face shortage of petrol, diesel or gas at present.
40% increase in domestic LPG production
The government has also emphasized on increasing domestic production. According to the Petroleum Ministry, there has been an increase of about 40 percent in LPG production in the country. A large part of India’s LPG supply comes from imports and about 90 percent of it reaches India through the Strait of Hormuz. Seeing the danger on this route due to war, the government decided to give priority to domestic needs first.
First domestic consumers, then commercial supplies
In view of the situation, commercial LPG supply was initially stopped. Later it was gradually restored. Government started supply in a phased manner:
- first 20 percent
- then additional 10 percent
- Later increased to 50 percent
- And now it has been increased to 70 percent
According to the ministry, around 30,000 tonnes of commercial LPG has been supplied since March 14.
Small gas cylinders distributed to migrant laborers
The government decided to give priority to certain sections during the crisis.
According to this
- restaurant
- dhaba
- hotel
- industrial canteen
- And priority was given to migrant workers.
The government distributed about 30,000 small five kg gas cylinders among the migrant laborers so that they do not face trouble in cooking.
Why were there queues at petrol pumps?
In the last few days, long queues were seen at petrol pumps in some cities of the country. According to the ministry, the reason for this was not real shortage but rumors and panic. Many people filled more petrol thinking that the supply may stop in the coming days. The government has clearly said that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel and gas in the country.
Relief in India despite rising prices
Despite the increase in crude oil prices in the global market, there has been no increase in the prices of petrol and diesel in India at present. The government says that while fuel prices have increased rapidly in many neighboring countries, in India its direct burden has not been passed on to the common consumers.
Can prices increase further?
Experts believe that if the war in West Asia continues for a long time, there may remain pressure on crude oil prices in the international market. However, at present the government claims that India has made adequate preparations for energy security and the fuel supply in the country will remain normal.
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