India Prioritises Energy Security Amid Global Instability

New Delhi, April 10, 2026: India has intensified efforts to secure its energy supplies as global geopolitical tensions disrupt fuel imports and expose vulnerabilities in the country’s energy system. Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s ongoing visit to Qatar highlights New Delhi’s urgent push to stabilise liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies.

India faces mounting pressure due to supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and instability across the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, has witnessed significant disruptions, directly affecting India, which depends heavily on imports for its energy needs.

The country imports nearly 90% of its LPG from the Middle East, making it highly vulnerable to regional conflicts. Recent shortages have triggered what officials describe as one of the worst cooking gas crises in decades, forcing the government to prioritise household supply over industrial consumption.

Authorities have responded with emergency measures, including directing refineries to maximise LPG production and diverting supplies from industries to households. Officials have also urged citizens to conserve energy while securing alternative fuel shipments and increasing domestic output.

At the same time, India has accelerated structural reforms to reduce long-term dependence on imports. The government is expanding piped natural gas infrastructure and promoting ethanol-blended fuels such as E20 petrol to diversify energy sources and enhance self-reliance.

State-run energy firms have also taken steps to mitigate the crisis. GAIL India plans to invest heavily in infrastructure while sourcing spot LNG cargoes to offset global supply shortages caused by disrupted shipments and reduced production in key exporting regions.

Despite these measures, global instability continues to affect domestic markets. Supply shortages have disrupted businesses, particularly restaurants and small vendors, as delays in LPG deliveries stretch for weeks in several regions.

India’s response underscores a broader strategic shift. Policymakers are focusing on energy diversification, infrastructure expansion, and diplomatic engagement with key suppliers to shield the economy from external shocks.