On 12 March 2026, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri informed Parliament about steps taken to manage global energy supply disruptions caused by the conflict in West Asia. The disruption affected the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas trade. The government implemented measures such as prioritising domestic gas supply, increasing LPG production by 28%, diversifying import sources, and coordinating with state governments. These actions aim to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and protect India’s energy security during the global crisis.
The Government of India announced several measures to ensure energy security after global supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. On 12 March 2026, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed the Lok Sabha about steps taken to maintain stable energy supplies.
The disruption occurred after commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was affected. This strait is one of the world’s most important energy routes, through which about 20% of global crude oil, natural gas and LPG passes. The conflict created concerns about energy supply stability worldwide.
To manage the situation, the government introduced several emergency measures.
• Natural Gas Control Order issued on 9 March 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act
• Domestic piped gas and CNG supply given 100% priority
• Industrial sector gas supply limited to about 80% of normal usage
• Fertiliser plants ensured 70% supply to protect agriculture
India also diversified its LPG imports. Earlier, around 60% of LPG imports came from Gulf countries like Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Now additional supplies are being procured from the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria and Russia. LPG production in refineries increased by 28% within five days. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
State governments are coordinating with Oil Marketing Companies and district monitoring committees are being created to prevent hoarding and diversion. These measures aim to ensure stable fuel availability and protect India’s energy security during the global crisis.
• West Asia conflict disrupted global energy supply routes
• Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of world energy trade
• Natural Gas Control Order issued on 9 March 2026
• Domestic gas supply prioritised for households and vehicles
• Industrial gas supply capped at 80% of normal levels
• LPG production increased by 28% in five days
• Import sources diversified beyond Gulf countries
• Coordination with state governments and monitoring committees
Strait of Hormuz – Strategic Energy Route
• Located between Iran and Oman
• Connects Persian Gulf with Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea
• One of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints
• Around one-fifth of global oil trade passes through it
• Major exporters using this route include Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait
• Disruptions affect global energy prices and supply
1.The Strait of Hormuz connects which two water bodies?
A) Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea
B) Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
C) Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
D) Caspian Sea and Black Sea
Answer: B
2.The Natural Gas Control Order (2026) was issued under which Act?
A) Petroleum Act
B) Essential Commodities Act
C) Energy Conservation Act
D) Gas Regulation Act
Answer: B
3.Approximately what percentage of global crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz?
A) 5%
B) 10%
C) 20%
D) 40%
Answer: C
4.Who is the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2026?
A) Piyush Goyal
B) Hardeep Singh Puri
C) Dharmendra Pradhan
D) Anurag Thakur
Answer: B
5.Which region’s conflict triggered the global energy disruption mentioned in the news?
A) Eastern Europe
B) West Asia
C) Central Asia
D) South America
Answer: B
Which of the following straits is considered one of the most important oil transit chokepoints in the world?
Answer: Strait of Hormuz
Students often confuse Strait of Hormuz with Strait of Malacca.
Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf, while Malacca connects the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
Questions are often asked about:
• Global oil transit chokepoints
• Energy security policies of India
• Key strategic straits and sea routes
Energy security
Strait of Hormuz
West Asia conflict
Natural Gas Control Order
Essential Commodities Act
LPG supply
Oil Marketing Companies
Global energy disruption
Petroleum imports
India energy policy