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Himachal Tackles LPG Shortage, India Diversifies Gas Imports Amid Conflict

Himachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri stated the state cabinet is actively discussing solutions to ensure adequate LPG supply for the public. The shortage has raised concerns from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who noted it is beginning to affect the tourism business and that the matter will be taken up with the central government. Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs stated the country is diversifying its LPG supply sources to meet domestic needs, citing the impact of the West Asia conflict on energy transit. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal specifically mentioned Russia as a potential source, emphasizing the need for a wide range of options to ensure fuel needs are met.

Key Points: Himachal LPG Crisis: State & Centre Seek Solutions

  • Himachal cabinet discusses LPG supply crisis
  • Shortage impacts state's tourism sector
  • India diversifying energy sources globally
  • MEA cites West Asia conflict disrupting supply
  • Russia considered among potential LPG suppliers
2 min read

Discussions underway to ensure LPG supply for public: Himachal Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri

Himachal Deputy CM addresses LPG shortage impacting tourism. India, via MEA, says it is diversifying energy imports, including from Russia, due to West Asia conflict.

"We're trying to buy LPG from everywhere, wherever it's available. - Randhir Jaiswal"

Shimla, March 20

Amid the ongoing LPG cylinder shortage, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the state cabinet discussed the crisis and was figuring out ways to ensure an adequate supply for the public.

"This was being discussed in the Chief Minister and Cabinet, and what steps can be taken on this and how we can supply gas to our people. Work is underway on this, and discussions are ongoing," Agnihotri told reporters here on Thursday.

His remarks came after Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu raised concerns over the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in the state, saying the issue has begun to impact the tourism sector.

"There is a shortage of commercial LPG, and we will take up the matter with the Centre. The shortage is affecting the tourism business," he said while speaking to reporters on the fifth day of the ongoing Budget Session of the Himachal Pradesh assembly.

India on Thursday said it was diversifying its supply sources to ensure that people's fuel needs are met, given the impact on energy supplies due to the raging conflict in West Asia. While answering queries during the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was trying to buy LPG from everywhere, and if it is available from Russia, the option would be exercised.

He said India wants to have a wide range of options and is buying oil from various sources, including Russia.

"We're trying to buy LPG from everywhere, wherever it's available. So if Russia is available, we'll go there too. Because the current situation is such that we have to ensure that our people's fuel needs are met. I can say that we want to have a wide range of options," Jaiswal said, adding that India has continuously emphasised that one of its priorities has been the need to ensure unimpeded transit of goods and energy.

The conflict, backed by the US, between Iran and Israel began on February 28 with the assassination of 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran in joint military strikes. Iran, in retaliation, has been targeting Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries.

Consequently, Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global energy supply.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
This is a national issue now, not just Himachal. Global conflicts affecting our daily fuel is worrying. Diversifying supply is the right move, but we need faster action. My mother in Shimla is worried about cooking gas.
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Aman W
Respectfully, discussions have been "ongoing" for weeks while people are struggling. Action speaks louder than words. The MEA talking about buying from Russia is a pragmatic step, but let's see it on the ground.
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Sarah B
The geopolitics explanation makes sense. Strait of Hormuz closure is a major choke point. India's diplomacy needs to ensure energy security for its citizens amidst these tensions. A tough situation.
K
Karthik V
This is why we need to focus on renewable energy long-term. But for now, hope the talks with the Centre yield results. Hotels and dhabas in hill stations will be the first to suffer. 🍳
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Nisha Z
Finally, someone is talking about it! The shortage has been felt for a month. My cousin runs a small cafe in Manali and is paying double for cylinders in the black market. Government should crack down on hoarding.

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