Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The availability of crude, LPG and LNG in India has improved considerably compared to a month ago when the West Asia conflict broke out, a petroleum ministry official said Monday.Officials said India has diversified sourcing of crude and gas to plug gaps caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, while prioritising LPG and LNG supplies to ensure retail consumers and critical sectors remain unaffected. “The availability of energy has certainly improved, and we are in a much better position than a month ago,” said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary, petroleum ministry.India imports 5.5-5.6 million barrels of crude daily; before the conflict, 40-45% came via the Strait. For LPG, India meets about 60% of its 31 million tonne annual demand through imports, 90% routed through the Strait. Natural gas consumption stands at 191 mmscmd, with 51% imported, about 60 per cent from West Asia.Another official said that India is tapping the US, Russia, Canada, Norway and West African nations like Nigeria, Algeria and Angola for LPG, and countries such as Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Mozambique for LNG. Cargoes have already been purchased from some sources, while talks are at an advanced stage with others.Officials said imports from Africa are steadily rising, even as West Asia remains dominant. India has diversified crude sourcing from 27 to 41 countries in a decade, reducing dependence on the Strait from 45 per cent to about 30 per cent.Adequate stocks of petro products and LPG are available, Sharma said. Delivery time for domestic cylinders has risen to 4–5 days due to panic booking, but no dry-out has been reported, and timelines are expected to ease soon.
