The government said on Sunday it was taking steps to ensure steady fuel supplies and keeping a close eye on maritime security amid developing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. An Indian-flagged oil tanker has already safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
The update comes as tensions in West Asia continue to affect global energy routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for oil supplies. Following the outbreak of conflict in the region in February, the government raised the prices of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders. This increase was mainly due to supply constraints caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
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Further complicating the situation is the United States’ blockade against vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, which increases the uncertainty of shipping operations. As a result, traffic through the strait has decreased significantly since the beginning of the conflict with Iran.
Check LPG prices for the city on April 20
CitiesDomestic (14.2 kg)Commercial (19 kg)New Delhi ₹913.00 ₹2,078.50 Calcutta ₹939.00 ₹2,208.50 Bombay ₹912.50 ₹2,031.00 chennai ₹928.50 ₹2,246.50 Gurgaon ₹921.50 ₹2,096.50 Noida ₹910.50 ₹2,078.50 Bengaluru ₹915.50 ₹2,161.00 Bhubaneshwar ₹939.00 ₹2,245.00 Chandigarh ₹922.50 ₹2,099.50 Hyderabad ₹965.00 ₹2,320.50 of Jaipur ₹916.50 ₹2,106.00 Lucknow ₹950.50 ₹2,201.00 Patna ₹1,002.50 ₹2,353.50
“Domestic supply of LPG cylinders remains normal against bookings with over 53.5 lakh domestic LPG cylinders delivered yesterday,” the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry said, stressing that there is no disruption to household supply.
Government says ‘avoid panic buying’
Reassuring citizens, the ministry said, “Citizens are advised to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel and LPG as the government is making every effort to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.”
The government added that it has ensured “100% supply for domestic LPG, domestic PNG and CNG (transportation)”, even as it implements supply rationalization and demand management measures.
Highlighting changing consumption patterns, the ministry noted that “more than 39,000 PNG consumers have given up their LPG connection through MYPNDG.in”, indicating a shift to natural gas.
He also pointed to the sharp increase in consumption of automotive LPG and said “Average sales of automotive LPG by PSU OMCs in the month of Apr-26 (up to 17.04.26) is around 305 MT/day as against an average of 177 MT/day during Feb-26.”
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The government has also taken price and policy measures to stabilize domestic availability. “The crisis in the Middle East has led to an abnormal rise in oil prices, but to protect consumers, the Indian government has reduced the excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre,” it read.
The ministry further highlighted enforcement efforts and said that on April 18, “more than 2,400 raids were conducted across the country” to curb the hoarding and black marketing of LPG.
The government reiterated its preparedness and said that in the current situation, coordinated action is underway with states, industry and agencies to ensure energy security and uninterrupted supply.
The Middle East Crisis: What’s Latest?
Mohammad Reza Aref said global fuel prices are likely to stabilize only if economic and military pressure on Iran’s oil exports is lifted, AP reports.
“One cannot limit Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” Aref wrote on X. “The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all or the risk of significant costs for all.”
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Oil prices rose in early trading on Sunday as the standoff between Iran and the US prevented tankers from using the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway in the Persian Gulf that is crucial for global energy supplies. The price of US crude rose 6.4 percent to $87.88 a barrel after trading resumed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, climbed 6.5 percent to $96.25 a barrel.
(With input from agencies)
Key things
- Geopolitical tensions can significantly affect global oil prices and energy supplies.
- The Indian government actively controls fuel supply and prices to protect consumers.
- Changes in consumption patterns, such as increases in pipeline natural gas consumption, reflect changing energy preferences.
