New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) In a statement made on Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that the complete 25 percent surge in domestic LPG production is directed entirely to households for cooking purposes.

During her address in the Rajya Sabha, the Finance Minister emphasized that 65 percent of India’s total LPG consumption is sourced from imports, with a substantial 90 percent of that volume passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

She assured that the government is committed to maintaining a consistent supply of LPG, even amidst ongoing global challenges, stating that India is not facing an energy crisis at present.

To mitigate the impact of import shortages, refineries have ramped up production levels, she added.

On the economic front, she remarked that despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, India has successfully sustained its economic stability. "We are prepared to confront such challenges," she stated.

Moreover, she highlighted that the current state of the Indian economy equips it to tackle unexpected issues.

The capital allocation for infrastructure initiatives, including highways, ports, and railways, which foster growth and job creation, has been raised to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, she noted.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, domestic refineries have intensified LPG production to compensate for the decline in imports resulting from disruptions related to the conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

"LPG supply is actively monitored in light of the current geopolitical climate. No shortages have been reported at LPG distribution points. Furthermore, the coverage of the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) has increased from 53 percent prior to the crisis to approximately 72 percent to prevent cylinder diversion at the distributor level," the statement elaborated.

Two LPG carriers flying the Indian flag successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and arrived in India on March 16 and 17. The government continues to scrutinize maritime activities in the Persian Gulf region amid the shifting geopolitical landscape in West Asia. The vessels, MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, transported nearly 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG and crossed the Strait early on Friday.

Major ports are prioritizing the docking of LPG vessels to ensure timely delivery and uninterrupted energy supply. In recent days, six LPG carriers have docked at significant Indian ports. Additionally, ports are providing safe anchorage for vessels loaded with cargo destined for the Gulf region that are currently unable to transit due to existing conditions.

The online booking rate for LPG cylinders has risen from about 84 percent to nearly 90 percent, facilitating a more systematic distribution of cooking gas to households.