The impact of the US-Iran war that has been going on for about 10 days is now being felt in India too. Oil companies have recently increased the prices of LPG cylinders. Domestic cylinders have become costlier by ₹60, while the price of commercial gas cylinders has increased by ₹115. The matter of concern is that the impact of this crisis is not limited to the prices of gas cylinders only. Its impact is being felt from industry to crematorium. Let us understand what effect the increasing tension in West Asia will have on India and how serious this crisis can be if this situation continues for a long time.
Effect of war on gas imports
The increasing tension in West Asia has increased the pressure on the supply and use of fuel gas in India. A major reason for this is that India imports about 60% of its gas requirement from abroad. A large part of it comes from Gulf countries. Gas is brought to India by sea using large tanker ships. But, due to increasing tension in the Strait of Hormuz since March 1, gas supply has been affected. This sea route is considered one of the most important energy transportation routes in the world.
Fuel gas and its uses
Fuel gas means gases used as fuel. It has many varieties, such as LPG, LNG, CNG, and PNG. These gases are used in domestic kitchens, industries, vehicles, electricity generation and piped gas supply in cities. Some of these gases are found as by-products during crude oil refining, while others are extracted from the ground as natural gas. These gases are made in India, but most of their demand is dependent on imports.
visible effect in india
1. 100 factories closed in Gujarat
The effect of interruption in gas supply is now visible on industries also. Nearly 100 factories in Morbi, Gujarat have had to stop production due to interruption in fuel supply. All these units are related to ceramic industry. Morbi is known as a major center of tile and clock making and is one of the largest ceramic making hubs in the world. Industry people say that if the gas supply does not become normal soon, there is a danger of about 400 more units being closed in the coming days.
2. Impact on gas crematoriums in Pune
Due to the shortage of gas in Pune, Maharashtra, the Municipal Corporation has decided to close 18 gas cremation grounds for some time. The Municipal Corporation says that these cremation grounds will be reopened as soon as the gas supply becomes normal. The administration is currently monitoring the situation.
3. Demand for induction cooker has tripled
The rising price of cooking gas in Kolkata and uncertainty about future supply is having an impact on the market. Sales of electric kitchen appliances like induction cookers have tripled in the city’s retail markets, especially in Chandni Market and Ezra Street. According to shopkeepers, this surge in sales started when the central government announced the increase in cooking gas prices.
4. Expensive cooking gas
Oil companies have increased the price of domestic LPG cylinder by ₹60. As a result, the price of a 14.2 kg LPG cylinder in Delhi has gone up to around ₹913. The price of 19 kg commercial gas cylinder has increased by ₹ 115. However, the government has ordered oil companies to ensure that the supply of cooking gas is not affected.