New Delhi: India’s domestic production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has increased by 25 per cent following government measures aimed at boosting supplies for household consumers, officials said.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on the West Asia situation in New Delhi, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma said that on March 8, 2026, the government directed refineries and petrochemical complexes to maximise LPG production by diverting streams of propane, butane, propylene and butenes to the LPG pool.
She said the move has resulted in a significant increase in domestic LPG production, with the entire output now being directed towards household consumers.
On crude oil supplies, Sharma said India’s energy security remains stable despite tensions in the region. Nearly 70 per cent of the country’s crude imports are now sourced from outside the Strait of Hormuz.
She said the volume of crude oil secured by the government currently exceeds what would normally have arrived through the Strait of Hormuz. India imports crude oil from about 40 countries, and oil marketing companies have secured additional cargoes through alternative sources.
Sharma also said that gas companies have procured liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from new suppliers, with two LNG cargoes currently en route to India.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government remains committed to the welfare of Indian nationals residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and West Asian countries. He said Indian missions are maintaining regular contact with community members in the region.
Jaiswal informed that two Indian nationals have died and one person is missing after merchant vessels they were aboard came under attack. A few injured Indians in the GCC region are receiving treatment, and the consulate is in touch with them, he added.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said that 28 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 778 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the Persian Gulf.
He said the government is closely monitoring the safety and security of these vessels and their crew members. Authorities, ship managers and recruitment agencies are coordinating with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure safety and provide medical assistance wherever required.
Sinha added that port operations across the country remain stable and ports have been directed to extend all necessary assistance to minimise hardships faced by exporters and ensure the continuity of export-import trade. (Agencies)
