India to buy LPG from Russia? MEA says will ensure ‘people’s fuel needs are met’ | India News
NEW DELHI: New Delhi is trying to buy LPG from all over to expand the range of energy supply options amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the External Affairs Ministry said on Thursday.At a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government is also willing to buy LGP from Russia to meet consumer demand.“We are trying to buy LPG from everywhere, wherever it is available. So if Russia is available, we will also go there. Because the current situation is such that we have to ensure that the fuel needs of our people are met,” Jaiswal said.“I can say that we want to have a wide range of options,” he added.The ministry reiterated that India has received energy requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and other neighboring countries.He noted that India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through various modes of transport since 2007 and continues to support the South Asian country along with other neighboring countries.“On energy, we have received requests from several of our neighboring countries, and I have spoken about this before. We have received requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and some other neighboring countries. As I said earlier, India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through various modes of transport since 2007,” he said.“We continue to support Bangladesh and our other neighbors even now. This is being done considering our own requirements, refining capacity and availability of diesel,” Jaiswal said.Meanwhile, the government has urged consumers to use LPG judiciously and explore alternative cooking options wherever possible.The move comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the US and Israel, which have disrupted the global energy supply chain. Shipping passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that carries nearly one-fifth of global oil and a significant portion of LPG shipments.To curb shortages and curb malpractice, state governments have stepped up enforcement measures, including operations to curb hoarding and black-marketing of LPG cylinders. At the same time, alternative fuels like kerosene and coal are being used in sectors like hospitality and restaurants to reduce pressure on LPG supply.
