LPG Panic Buying Sparks Action: Centre Appoints Two Senior Officers in Petroleum Ministry

Amid growing concerns over cooking gas supplies due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, the central government has appointed two senior officers to key positions in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to strengthen coordination and management of the country’s energy sector.

According to official orders, Alok Tripathi, an officer from the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS), has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the ministry. Meanwhile, A Amarnath, an officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been named Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Joint Secretary level.

The move comes as several parts of the country witnessed panic buying of LPG cylinders following fears of possible supply disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia, sources told India Today.

Long Queues at LPG Centres Across States

Reports from multiple states indicated a sudden rush by consumers to book and purchase LPG cylinders. Long queues were seen outside LPG distribution centres in several regions including Delhi-NCR, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha.

Many households hurried to secure domestic gas cylinders amid concerns that global geopolitical tensions could affect fuel supplies.

The surge in demand reportedly forced some eateries and small restaurants to temporarily shut operations after facing difficulties in securing commercial LPG cylinders. At the same time, reports of hoarding also emerged from certain parts of the country.

Government Says There Is No LPG Shortage

Despite the sudden spike in demand, the central government has maintained that there is no shortage of cooking gas in India.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Petroleum Ministry, said domestic LPG production had been ramped up significantly to ensure smooth supply.

She said production has increased by around 30 per cent since March 5 to meet the rising demand and prevent disruptions.

“There is no need for panic booking, and there has been no dry-out at any LPG dealer,” Sharma said, urging consumers not to panic.

Officials also revealed that LPG bookings have surged dramatically to around 75.7 lakh per day, compared to the pre-crisis daily average of 55.7 lakh bookings, indicating panic-driven demand.

West Asia Conflict Raises Global Energy Concerns

Concerns over fuel availability have intensified due to disruptions in global energy routes linked to tensions in West Asia.

A key trigger has been the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping corridors. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to global markets and typically carries a large share of international oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Energy experts note that a significant portion of global crude oil passes through the route, making any disruption a major concern for energy-importing countries like India.

Opposition Protests in Parliament

The issue also triggered political protests inside the Parliament complex. Members of the All India Trinamool Congress were joined by MPs from the Indian National Congress and other INDIA bloc parties in raising slogans and questioning the government over reports of LPG shortages.

Opposition MPs demanded clarification from Hardeep Singh Puri and Narendra Modi regarding fuel availability.

Responding to the concerns, Puri reiterated that India’s fuel supplies remain secure.

“There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel or fuel oil. Availability is fully assured,” the minister said.

He added that the government has already arranged alternative crude oil supply routes, even though nearly 45 per cent of India’s crude imports earlier passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

With the global situation evolving rapidly, officials say the government is closely monitoring the energy sector to ensure uninterrupted supply across the country.