India warns its consumers to conserve energy and not panic about gas shortages

India, the second largest importer of LPG in the world, asked its consumers to conserve energy and not panic over gas supplies. The 'federal government' has used emergency powers to order refiners that they increase production of LPG, and reduce sales to industry in order to prevent a shortage.

Sujata sharma, joint secretary at the federal oil minister, stated that government measures had increased LPG production locally by 25%.

Restaurants, hotels and other industries are feeling the pressure from a tightening supply of LPG. LPG is primarily used for cooking.

Sharma stated that "misinformation" has been the cause of panic booking and hoarding. India's crude, LPG and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), have been affected by a global shipping constraint after the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran stopped?traffic in the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Hormuz.

India imported about 60% of the cooking gas it consumed last year. 90 % of these imports were from the Middle East. India imports around half of the 190 million standard cube metres per day of gas it consumes.

Sharma stated that?LNG exports of 47.4mmscmd were affected due to supply restrictions and force majeure from its top supplier Qatar. India has started?diverting supplies of gas from non-priority to key users.

Sharma stated that India has secured?crude oil and LNG? from alternative sources, with two LNG cargoes on the way. Indian refiners bought millions of barrels?of Russian oil that was floating in the high seas, after Washington granted a 30-day sanction waiver.

She said that most Indian refineries are at full capacity.

The Middle East conflict has presented a number of challenges to the world but India's fuel demand is met. She added that the 'Government' is constantly monitoring global conditions and taking steps to protect households and priority sector sectors and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.

(source: Reuters)