Govt mulls building LPG reserves as Nayara refinery shutdown threatens supply

NEW DELHI: The government is considering building liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) reserves as a buffer against potential supply disruptions, a government official said on Monday.The move comes as Nayara Energy is set to shut its Vadinar refinery from April 9–10, a development that is expected to impact LPG supplies in the country, the official added. With the temporary shutdown likely to tighten availability, the government is evaluating options to ensure supply stability, including the creation of LPG reserves.Additionally, addressing the overall Middle East situation with regards to ships passing through Strait of Hormuz, the officials said they were not aware of any payment being charged, amid concerns over global energy supply routes.Refiners delay maintenance workWhile addressing questions around Middle East situation and India's position, the govt official also stated that Indian refiners have postponed planned maintenance shutdowns of their units to meet local fuel demand.Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation were among the companies that had scheduled routine maintenance at some of their refineries, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the federal oil ministry, said.