The Ministry of External Affairs, Shipping, Petroleum, Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India held a joint press conference on Thursday regarding the shortage of crude oil and gas in the country. The government acknowledged that the situation in the country is challenging and due to panic, cylinder bookings have seen a manifold increase across the country.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said India imports about 60% of its LPG requirement, of which about 90% of the supply comes from the Strait of Hormuz. About 50 lakh LPG cylinders are delivered daily in the country.

However, he also clarified that the supply situation of crude oil in the country is completely satisfactory and there is no dry-out situation at any of the nearly one lakh petrol pumps in the country.

Demand for LPG has increased in India amid America-Israel’s war with Iran. Long lines are forming at gas cylinder agencies across the country. Black marketing of cylinders has also started. In the states, up to ₹ 1800 is being charged for a domestic gas cylinder costing ₹ 900.