With the West Asia war entering its 13th day and commercial shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed, the Centre on Thursday ramped up domestic LPG production to 28 per cent of country’s requirement and directed state governments to prioritise distribution to essential sectors to prevent shortages.Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Petroleum Ministry Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said the government had invoked provisions of the Essential Commodities Act on March 9, directing refineries to maximise LPG output to cushion the impact of disrupted imports.“As a result, LPG production has increased and now accounts for about 28 per cent of our domestic requirement,” she said, noting that India imports nearly 60 per cent of its LPG needs, with almost 90 per cent traditionally routed through the Strait of Hormuz.Sharma said India’s crude oil supply situation remained “quite comfortable” despite the disruption, as more than 70 per cent of crude imports were now arriving through routes other than Hormuz. India consumes nearly 5.5 million barrels of oil daily and its position as the world’s fourth-largest refiner provides significant resilience in ensuring availability of petrol and diesel, she added.To manage LPG distribution during the crisis, the Centre has asked state governments to identify priority beneficiaries for commercial cylinders and ensure transparent allocation.Hospitals and educational institutions have been given priority access to non-domestic LPG supplies. A three-member committee of executive directors from public sector oil marketing companies has reviewed requests from commercial users and recommended the limited release of 19-kg cylinders, with state administrations tasked with preparing beneficiary lists.At the same time, the government is urging citizens to avoid panic booking of domestic cylinders. India delivers nearly 50 lakh LPG cylinders daily through its nationwide network of nearly one lakh fuel retail outlets, most operated by public sector oil marketing companies.“There has been a manifold increase in bookings due to panic. We urge citizens to avoid panic booking and conserve fuel during this period of global uncertainty,” Sharma said.To ease pressure on LPG supplies, the Centre has also expanded the use of alternative fuels. States have been allocated an additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene over the regular quarterly allocation of about one lakh kilolitres.In parallel, the government has directed Coal India Limited to increase coal supplies for small and medium consumers. The environment ministry has also allowed hospitality and restaurant establishments to temporarily use alternative fuels such as biomass, RDF pellets, kerosene or coal for one month during the crisis.Senior officials of oil marketing companies are coordinating closely with state governments to ensure that fuel supplies remain stable and reach priority sectors as the conflict continues to disrupt energy flows in the region.