The Union government has appointed two senior officers to important positions in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas amid rising concerns over fuel availability linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
According to official notifications, Alok Tripathi, an officer of the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS), has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the ministry. Meanwhile, A Amarnath of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Joint Secretary level.
The appointments come amid reports of panic buying of LPG cylinders in several states following fears of energy supply disruptions due to the conflict in West Asia.
Long queues were reported outside LPG distribution centres in several regions, including Delhi NCR, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha, as consumers rushed to book domestic cooking gas cylinders.
The sudden spike in demand also forced some eateries to temporarily suspend operations, while reports of LPG hoarding surfaced from certain parts of the country.
CENTRE SAYS LPG SUPPLY STABLE
Despite these developments, the Centre has asserted that there is no shortage of LPG in the country. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the petroleum ministry, said domestic LPG production had increased by nearly 30 per cent since March 5 to maintain uninterrupted supply.
“There is no need for panic booking, and there has been no dry-out at any LPG dealer,” she said.
Officials added that LPG bookings have surged to around 75.7 lakh per day compared with the pre-crisis daily average of 55.7 lakh, indicating a rise driven largely by panic purchases.
WEST ASIA CONFLICT IMPACTS ENERGY ROUTES
Concerns over supply have intensified following disruptions to global energy routes after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage located between Iran and Oman.
The narrow waterway is considered one of the world’s most vital energy corridors and typically handles a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
OPPOSITION PROTESTS IN PARLIAMENT
Meanwhile, opposition parties staged protests inside the Parliament of India complex over reports of LPG shortages. Members of the All India Trinamool Congress were joined by MPs from the Indian National Congress and other parties of the INDIA alliance, raising slogans and demanding clarification from the government.
The MPs questioned the availability of LPG cylinders and sought answers from Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Puri, however, reiterated that there was no shortage of petroleum products in the country. “There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel or fuel oil. Availability is fully assured,” he said.
The minister further stated that India had secured adequate crude supplies through alternative arrangements, despite nearly 45 per cent of the country’s crude imports earlier passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that the stability in supplies was the result of diplomatic efforts and diversification of crude sourcing undertaken by the government in recent years.
