Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted India’s effective response to a major energy disruption, citing the movement of over 12 LPG vessels through the Strait of Hormuz without tolls. The closure of the strait for nearly four months prompted emergency actions by the government to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and shield consumers from adverse effects.
Puri credited PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for safeguarding energy consumers amidst global challenges. India’s proactive steps included diversifying crude oil sources, expanding energy infrastructure, and securing alternative LPG supplies from various countries. These measures helped maintain stable cooking gas and fuel supplies despite the energy turmoil.
During the crisis, the government implemented a Rs 10-per-litre reduction in central excise duty on fuel in March to mitigate shortages. Puri emphasized the protection of cooking gas supplies to homes and the mandatory use of digital authentication codes to prevent black market diversion.
To boost LPG production, refineries swiftly reconfigured operations, increasing output from 35 TMT to 54 TMT per day. India also established new LPG supply agreements with countries like Algeria, Japan, and Canada, and secured additional cargoes from the United States to meet domestic demand.
