India has rapidly increased its domestic production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) from around 40% to nearly 60% of its total requirement within less than a month, amid a global energy disruption triggered by tensions in West Asia. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, refineries are operating at optimal capacity and domestic output has been ramped up to ensure uninterrupted supply to over 33 crore households.
Officials, including Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma, have assured that domestic availability remains stable despite earlier disruptions in imports, which traditionally meet a significant portion of India’s LPG demand. While the government has prioritised household consumption and boosted local production, reports of supply strain and commercial shortages underline ongoing challenges, even as easing geopolitical tensions are expected to stabilise imports.
Domestic Push Amid Global Crisis
The sharp rise in domestic LPG production comes against the backdrop of global supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia, which affected key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Officials confirmed that India’s refineries have been directed to maximise LPG output, even diverting resources from petrochemicals to meet essential cooking fuel demand.
“We have sufficient inventory of crude; our refineries are operating at optimum capacity,” said Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma, adding that domestic LPG production is now “close to 60% of our needs.” The government also prioritised household consumption over commercial supply, ensuring uninterrupted access for millions of families. With India’s LPG consumption exceeding 33 million tonnes annually, maintaining supply continuity remains a critical concern.
Balancing Supply, Demand And Transition
Despite the increase in domestic output, the situation has highlighted structural vulnerabilities in India’s energy ecosystem. Commercial users such as restaurants and small businesses have faced shortages, with some reportedly scaling down operations due to limited gas availability. In certain regions, there have been temporary delays in cylinder deliveries and informal restrictions on new connections, reflecting pressure on distribution networks.
In response, the government has accelerated alternative measures, including expanding piped natural gas (PNG) connections and promoting induction-based cooking. A shift by several consumers to PNG in recent weeks has helped ease some pressure on LPG supplies. Meanwhile, improving geopolitical conditions and reassurances from key international suppliers are expected to support import recovery in the near term.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s swift ramp-up of domestic LPG production highlights both resilience and the urgency of reducing dependence on volatile global energy markets. While prioritising household access reflects a people-first approach, the uneven impact on small businesses and vulnerable workers calls for more inclusive and transparent crisis management.
Strengthening domestic capacity, diversifying energy sources and investing in sustainable alternatives will be crucial to building long-term resilience. At the same time, clear communication and equitable distribution must remain central to policy decisions. As India moves towards energy self-reliance, how can it ensure that no section of society is left behind during such transitions?
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Delhi: Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, says, "Crude oil inventory is sufficient, and our refineries are also operating at optimum capacity. As you know, LPG production has increased domestically, and it currently meets about 60% of the… pic.twitter.com/QUv05uuzfu
— IANS (@ians_india) April 10, 2026
