New Delhi: A prolonged conflict in West Asia has disrupted crude oil movement, triggering a shortage of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders in India, according to the report.
The disruption is linked to Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for crude. With imports affected, India’s LPG availability has come under pressure.
To manage the situation, the Union government has initiated steps to source crude through alternate routes and suppliers, expanding the number of countries India imports from to 41, up from 27.
In parallel, oil marketing companies are considering distributing smaller 10-kg household LPG cylinders instead of the standard 14.2-kg cylinder so that more consumers can be served from available stocks. While a 14.2-kg cylinder typically lasts around 40 days, a 10-kg cylinder is expected to last about 25–30 days.
Companies are also discussing reducing prices proportionately and adding updated stickers on cylinders. However, the report says a final call has not been taken amid concerns that a nationwide weight reduction could trigger protests, especially with Assembly elections due in states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry and West Bengal.
