India to buy LPG from Russia? MEA says will ensure 'people's fuel needs are met'

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Thursday said that New Delhi is trying to buy LPG from everywhere to widen its range of options for energy supply amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.In a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the government is also willing to buy LGP from Russia to meet the needs of consumers. "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," Jaiswal said."I can say that we want to have a wide range of options," he added.The ministry also reiterated that India has received energy requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and other neighbouring countries.He mentioned that India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh since 2007 through various modes of transportation and continues to assist the South Asian nation, along with other neighbouring countries. “About energy, we have received requests from several of our neighbouring countries, and I had spoken about this earlier as well. We have received requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and some other neighbouring countries. As I had indicated earlier, India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh since 2007 through various modes of transportation," he said."We are continuing to assist Bangladesh and our other neighbours even currently. This is being done while factoring in our own requirements, refining capacity, and diesel availability," said Jaiswal.Meanwhile, government also urged consumers to use LPG judiciously and explore alternative cooking options where possible.The move comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have disrupted global energy supply chains. Vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that carries about one-fifth of global oil and a significant share of LPG shipments has been affected.To curb shortages and prevent malpractice, state governments have stepped up enforcement measures, including raids to check hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders. At the same time, alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal are being used in sectors like hospitality and restaurants to ease pressure on LPG supplies.Also read: 'Issue still worrisome': Govt offers extra 10% commercial LPG to states backing PNG transition push