The Union government has raised alarms over the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the country, calling it a “matter of concern.” However, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, assured that no distributor has reported running out of stock. She addressed the media on Friday, emphasizing that despite challenges, the situation remains manageable.

Sharma pointed out that a significant percentage of India’s LPG imports traverse the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen disruptions since the West Asia conflict ignited on February 28. “LPG is indeed a concern for us due to these geopolitical tensions; yet, all 25,000 distributors across the nation are fully stocked,” she stated. The official’s remarks come amid rising uncertainty regarding global petroleum supply routes, with around 20% of these supplies passing through the crucial maritime chokepoint.

Interestingly, the ongoing situation has led to rising anxiety among consumers. Reports have surfaced of long queues outside gas depots, and some eateries have had to shut down temporarily due to supply constraints. In response, Sharma has encouraged citizens to avoid panic buying and urged those who can transition to piped natural gas to make the switch. Approximately seven lakh families are eligible for this shift, which could alleviate the pressure on LPG supplies.

While the government is staying vigilant, Sharma reiterated that consumers should not succumb to unfounded rumors. She assured the public that the administration is actively monitoring the situation and working to mitigate any potential disruptions. As the LPG landscape evolves, it remains crucial for families to stay informed and be prepared.