The central government has appointed two senior officials to key roles in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas amid growing public concern over cooking gas availability following the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The appointments come at a time when LPG bookings have surged sharply across several states due to fears about possible disruptions in fuel supply.
According to official government orders, Alok Tripathi, an officer from the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS), has been appointed as Joint Secretary in the petroleum ministry. In addition, A. Amarnath, an officer from the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the level of Joint Secretary.
The changes in the ministry’s leadership structure coincide with reports of panic buying of LPG cylinders across multiple parts of the country. Concerns about energy supplies intensified after disruptions in global oil and gas routes caused by the escalating conflict in West Asia.
In recent days, long queues have been observed outside LPG distribution centres in several regions, including Delhi-NCR, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha. Many consumers have rushed to book domestic gas cylinders amid fears that supply could become limited.
The sudden surge in demand has also affected businesses that depend heavily on LPG. Some restaurants and eateries in different cities have reportedly scaled down or temporarily suspended operations due to difficulties in securing cooking gas. In certain areas, authorities have also received reports suggesting hoarding of LPG cylinders.
Despite these concerns, the central government has repeatedly stated that there is no shortage of cooking gas in the country. Officials from the petroleum ministry have urged the public not to engage in panic booking and have assured that adequate supply is being maintained.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that domestic LPG production has been increased significantly to address the surge in demand. According to her, production has risen by roughly 30 percent since March 5 to ensure that supplies remain uninterrupted.
She also clarified that there has been no situation where LPG dealers have completely run out of stock. Sharma emphasised that there is no need for consumers to panic, as the supply chain continues to function normally.
Government officials said the number of LPG bookings has risen sharply during the crisis period. Daily bookings have increased to around 75.7 lakh, compared with the pre-crisis daily average of approximately 55.7 lakh. Authorities believe the rise in demand is largely driven by consumer anxiety rather than an actual shortage.
The concerns about fuel availability have been linked to the broader geopolitical situation in West Asia. The ongoing conflict has disrupted major energy transportation routes, particularly after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the most strategically important maritime passages for global energy trade. A significant portion of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally passes through this narrow waterway. Any disruption in this corridor can therefore have widespread implications for global energy markets.
The situation has also triggered political reactions within India. Opposition parties staged protests inside the Parliament complex, raising concerns about the availability of LPG cylinders and demanding explanations from the government.
Members of the Trinamool Congress led the protest, joined by legislators from the Indian National Congress and other parties belonging to the INDIA opposition alliance. The protesting MPs raised slogans and sought clarification from Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the status of LPG supplies.
Responding to the concerns, Puri reiterated that there is no shortage of petroleum products in the country. He stated that supplies of petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel and other petroleum products remain fully available.
The minister also explained that India has secured sufficient crude oil supplies through alternative arrangements, despite the disruptions affecting traditional routes. He noted that nearly 45 percent of India’s crude imports had previously passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Puri, India’s ability to maintain energy security during the crisis is the result of sustained diplomatic outreach and diversification of crude oil sourcing strategies in recent years. These efforts, he said, have helped the country manage supply risks even during periods of geopolitical instability.
