NEW DELHI, March 10 (Xinhua) -- India's federal ministry of petroleum and natural gas has asked oil refineries to boost liquified petroleum gas (LPG) production amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to disruptions in fuel supply.
"In light of current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on supply of LPG, the ministry has issued orders to oil refineries for higher LPG production, using such extra production for domestic LPG use," the ministry said.
The escalating tensions in the Middle East have affected global fuel supply chains, including India's LPG imports.
The abrupt shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has also triggered an alarm across the hospitality sector in India, with restaurant associations warning that many eateries could shut down within days if supplies are not restored.
The ministry said it has prioritized domestic LPG supply to households and introduced a 25-day inter-booking period to avoid hoarding and black marketing. ■