The Modi government has for the first time set a domestic production target for 21 public and private companies to produce 63,810 tonnes of LPG every day, ensuring India faces no cooking gas shortage even if the Hormuz Strait remains closed. The plan shifts focus from import-dependent procurement to building internal crisis-ready production capacity. This marks a historic shift in India’s energy security strategy for cooking fuel.
Supply Security Over Immediate Price Cut
The immediate goal of this target is not to reduce LPG cylinder prices but to secure supply chains. The government wants a ready mechanism to boost domestic output if international markets face shortages or imports get disrupted. Reliance Industries has received the largest production share among the 21 companies selected for this framework. Both state-owned and private firms are part of the plan.
West Asia Crisis Sparks Strategic Rethink
The ongoing West Asia crisis and threats to the Hormuz Strait have exposed India’s deep vulnerability on energy imports. India relies heavily on imported LPG for daily cooking needs of millions of households. The new production framework aims to reduce this strategic risk by creating buffer capacity within the country. The government no longer wants to rely solely on import strategies during emergencies.
LPG Prices Remain Unchanged on August 17
LPG cylinder prices stay at August 1 levels across India today. A 14.2 kg domestic cylinder costs Rs 942 in Delhi and Rs 999.50 in Ranchi. A 19 kg commercial cylinder is priced at Rs 2,738 in Delhi and Rs 2,922 in Ranchi. Commercial cylinders were last reduced by about Rs 200 on August 1. No further price revision has been announced for this month.
Petrol and Diesel Rates Also Steady
Fuel prices remain unchanged across the country today. In Delhi, normal petrol costs Rs 102.12 per litre while diesel is at Rs 95.20 per litre. Premium XP100 ethanol-free petrol is priced at Rs 167.35 per litre and XP95 petrol costs Rs 109.24 per litre. The windfall tax on petrol exports has been reduced to zero. Diesel export duty has been cut from Rs 25.50 to Rs 24 per litre while ATF duty dropped from Rs 22 to Rs 19.50 per litre.
