US-Israel Iran War: The entire world is bearing the brunt of the ongoing war in the Middle East. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing gas and oil shortages in many countries, including India.

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed due to the Iran-US-Israel war, significantly impacting the supply of LPG and natural gas. In response, India's Petroleum Ministry has issued a clear priority list for the allocation of natural gas. In the event of a gas shortage, it has now been determined which sector will receive the most gas.

In which sectors will there be no gas cuts?

The government has stated that domestic users and essential sectors will not face any shortages. Therefore, they will receive 100% supply, meaning there will be no cuts. These include:

• Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in homes: Gas that comes directly into homes through pipes and is used in kitchens.
• CNG: Compressed Natural Gas for vehicles, autos and public transport.
• LPG Production: Gas used to make domestic cooking gas cylinders.
• Fuel required to run pipelines: The gas itself used to transport the gas.

These sectors are integral to the daily lives of ordinary people, so the government has given them top priority. Domestic PNG and CNG will be kept completely safe so that people don't face any problems cooking or driving.

In which sectors will there be gas cuts?

The central government will cut the gas share of industrial sectors. These sectors will receive reduced gas based on their previous average usage. This means that a company will receive only a percentage of its gas usage over the past few months.

• Tea industry and other manufacturing sectors: Only 80% of the average consumption of the last 6 months.
• Fertilizer companies: 70% allocation.
• Oil refineries: 65% allocation.

The Hotel Association has already warned that if commercial gas is not available, hotels in cities like Bengaluru will face closure. The government's focus is on the common man, so domestic and essential sectors have been prioritized. The situation is being continuously monitored, and further action will be taken if necessary.

Why did the Central Government decide to cut gas distribution?

This decision was made because India imports a large portion of its LPG needs, mostly from the Middle East via the Strait of Hormuz. The war has halted imports, leading to an already existing shortage of commercial LPG (hotels and restaurants). To conserve domestic LPG, the government has ordered refineries to increase production and increased the booking period for domestic cylinders from 21 to 25 days to conserve stocks.

The Petroleum Ministry says that the country's LPG stock is currently sufficient for 40 days. Alternative imports from countries like the US and Australia are being increased. However, if the crisis continues, it will impact industries, such as reduced production in tea plantations and disruptions in the operations of fertilizer companies.

PC:ABPNews