India buys LPG from Russia? MEA says it will ensure “fuel needs of people are met”

NEW DELHI: New Delhi is trying to purchase LPG from various places to expand its energy supply options amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a weekly press conference that the government is also willing to purchase LGP from Russia to meet consumer demand.“We are trying to buy LPG from wherever it is available. So if it is available in Russia, we will go there too. Because the situation is such that we have to ensure that the fuel needs of our people are met,” Jaiswal said.“I can say we want to have a broad choice,” he added.The ministry also reiterated that India has received energy requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and other neighboring countries.He mentioned that India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through various modes of transportation since 2007 and continues to provide assistance to the South Asian country as well as other neighboring countries.“Regarding energy, we have received requests from several neighboring countries and I have talked about this earlier. We have received requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and some other neighboring countries. As I pointed out earlier, India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through various modes of transport since 2007,” he said.“Even now, we continue to assist Bangladesh and our other neighbours. This is done keeping in mind our own needs, refining capacity and diesel supply situation,” Jaiswal said.Meanwhile, the government also urges consumers to use LPG with caution and explore alternative cooking options where possible.The move comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, including between Iran, the United States and Israel, disrupting global energy supply chains. Ship navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping route that transports about one-fifth of the world’s oil and a large portion of liquefied petroleum gas traffic, has been affected.To curb shortages and prevent malpractices, the state government has stepped up enforcement measures, including raids on hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders. Meanwhile, industries such as hotels and restaurants are using alternative fuels such as kerosene and coal to ease pressure on LPG supplies.