Reports from multiple cities indicate rising anxiety among consumers amid fears that the ongoing conflict in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could affect fuel shipments.

Global energy supply concerns have intensified due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In response, the Union government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise domestic LPG supply, reserving higher allocations for households, hospitals and essential services while restricting commercial distribution in several regions.

The government has also mandated a 25-day inter-booking period for domestic LPG refills to ensure equitable distribution of cylinders among consumers.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Union government invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) to safeguard the domestic energy market amid supply uncertainties.

The Petroleum Ministry said the move establishes a clear priority framework for natural gas distribution to manage current supply constraints.

Under the new mandate, domestic piped natural gas supply for households and CNG for vehicles will receive 100 per cent assured allocation.

Other sectors will face calibrated supply caps based on their average consumption over the previous six months.

The measures come as India, which typically sources about 30 per cent of its natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, navigates logistical challenges posed by the regional conflict.

To offset the current supply pressures, the ministry said India is actively procuring natural gas through alternative trade routes to maintain national energy security.