New Delhi: The Union government has withdrawn most provisions of the emergency Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, after liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz resumed following a ceasefire and an easing of regional tensions.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas amended the order to remove operational powers that allowed allocation of domestically produced gas and imported LNG according to a priority-customer list. The move follows an improvement in the West Asia supply situation, resumed maritime traffic through the Hormuz chokepoint and ongoing negotiations, the ministry said.
The emergency regulations had been introduced under the Essential Commodities Act when hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran disrupted LNG flows and some suppliers invoked force majeure, prompting cargo diversions and concerns over India’s gas availability. The gas curbs were part of three emergency measures; the other two—directing refiners to boost LPG output by reallocating petrochemical feedstock and restricting diesel sales to bulk consumers—had already been withdrawn as supplies stabilised.
India imports about 88% of its crude oil and nearly half of its natural gas, with roughly 40–45% of crude and nearly 65% of LNG coming from West Asia. That exposure made LNG imports especially vulnerable during the disruption because many Qatar-origin cargoes transit the Strait of Hormuz.
The government said restoring shipments has eased immediate fuel and gas supply concerns. It did not specify which remaining provisions, if any, would stay in force. Officials said they will continue monitoring the situation to safeguard domestic energy security.
(Inputs from IANS)