The Indian government has implemented new stringent measures to address a worsening cooking gas (LPG) shortage across the country. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced that consumers with piped natural gas connections in their homes are now barred from having domestic LPG cylinders. This rule prohibits government oil companies from providing connections or refills of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to such subscribers, as part of efforts to manage the crisis.
The shortage is primarily fueled by Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to its conflict with the United States and Israel, severely impacting India's LPG imports. Indian media reports indicate long queues forming outside LPG distribution centers. Previously, the government utilized emergency powers to maximize LPG production and direct it to state-owned companies to control distribution.
In Delhi, the local government has capped the daily distribution of commercial LPG cylinders to approximately 20% of the city's average consumption. The Department of Food, Supplies and Consumer Affairs stated that the city typically records daily sales of around 9,000 commercial cylinders, but under the new system, only about 1,800 cylinders per day will be distributed through a priority-based allocation mechanism. This move is expected to significantly affect the capital's hotels, restaurants, and local vendors who rely on these cylinders for their operations.
Food stall owners in South Delhi complained of existing difficulties in obtaining LPG cylinders and having to pay exorbitant prices on the black market. Some considered temporarily shutting down their shops but remained hopeful that the situation would stabilize soon.
India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that two Indian vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, crossed the Strait of Hormuz following a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran. The ships are anticipated to reach the western state of Gujarat within a few days, offering some relief to the supply chain.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Indian army reported killing a "Pakistani terrorist" during an overnight military operation in Indian-administered Kashmir. The Chinar Corps unit stated that a joint operation with regional police was launched based on intelligence regarding an infiltration attempt.
According to the army's statement, "Alert troops spotted suspicious movement of a terrorist in the thicket. The ambush was readjusted and the terrorist was challenged, resulting in the terrorist opening indiscriminate fire. In the contact, a Pak terrorist was eliminated." The unit added that "warlike stores including an AK rifle, pistols, and a large quantity of ammunition have been recovered," with the operation still ongoing.
Indian forces frequently report eliminating militants in Indian-administered Kashmir, often describing them as Pakistan-backed infiltrators crossing the Line of Control. Pakistan denies allegations of supporting militancy in the region. India has intensified its military and diplomatic campaign against terrorism following last year's attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
Source: www.dw.com