Gas Shortage in India: How India Is Securing LPG and CNG Supply The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas addressed Parliament on March 12, 2026, to outline measures taken by the government to mitigate the impact of a global energy supply disruption caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The crisis has intensified fears of a gas shortage in India, as the Strait of Hormuz—a critical energy chokepoint—has been effectively closed to commercial vessels. This route accounts for 20% of global crude, 20% of natural gas, and 20% of LPG flows, and its closure has raised concerns about India’s energy security. India’s reliance on the Hormuz route has been significant, with approximately 45% of its crude imports and 60% of its LPG requirements passing through the strait. The disruption threatens energy supplies for domestic cooking gas, CNG for vehicles, and fertiliser production ahead of the Kharif sowing season. Global energy benchmarks reflected the crisis immediately, with Brent crude peaking at $126 per barrel and spot LNG prices surging over 113%, jeopardizing the affordability of gas-based power and manufacturing in Asia. In response, India activated Operation Sankalp, deploying Indian Navy warships and surveillance assets to protect Indian-flagged merchant vessels and energy tankers in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and surrounding sea lanes. The mission aims to ensure the safe transit of oil and gas shipments through the volatile region and prevent disruptions to India’s critical energy supplies. The government has also taken several measures to address the gas shortage. For crude oil, India’s supply position remains secure, with non-Hormuz sourcing scaled up to 70% of imports, up from 55% before the conflict.#strait_of_hormuz #indian_navy #union_minister_petroleum_natural_gas #operation_sankalp #natural_gas_control_order
