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India will continue to rely significantly on imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), even if domestic production sees a substantial increase, according to recent assessments. Experts estimate that the country would still require around 29 LPG tankers each month to meet its consumption needs, even with a 50% surge in local output.
The growing demand for LPG, driven largely by household consumption and government-backed clean cooking initiatives, has consistently outpaced domestic supply. While India has made efforts to ramp up production through refinery expansions and increased extraction, the gap between demand and supply remains wide.
A 50% increase in domestic production would mark a significant achievement for the energy sector. However, analysts note that such a rise would only partially offset the country’s dependence on imports. With millions of households relying on LPG as a primary cooking fuel, ensuring uninterrupted supply remains a top priority.
India currently imports a large portion of its LPG requirements from global markets, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties. The continued need for nearly 29 tankers a month highlights the structural nature of this dependency.
Government officials have emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources and improving infrastructure to manage supply more efficiently. Investments in storage facilities, pipeline networks, and alternative fuels are also being explored to reduce long-term reliance on imports.
Despite challenges, India’s push to expand domestic production reflects its broader strategy to enhance energy security. However, the latest estimates underline that imports will remain a critical component of the country’s LPG supply chain for the foreseeable future.
