In recent weeks, the geopolitical landscape surrounding energy supplies has shifted dramatically, particularly affecting liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Qatar, a key supplier of LNG, has faced significant disruptions due to attacks attributed to Iran. These developments have raised alarms in countries that rely heavily on Qatari LNG, particularly India, which sources approximately 40% of its LNG from this region.

On October 1, 2023, reports emerged detailing the damage inflicted on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub, which has resulted in a staggering 17% reduction in the country’s LNG capacity. QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi noted that repairs to the facility are expected to take between three to five years. This prolonged downtime is likely to have far-reaching consequences not only for Qatar but also for nations dependent on its gas supplies.

The situation escalated further as Iranian attacks rendered the Strait of Hormuz nearly impassable. This strategic waterway is crucial for the transit of energy supplies, with estimates indicating that 40% to 50% of India’s crude imports pass through this route. The implications are severe, as India imports 85% to 90% of its oil, making it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in the Middle East.

As news of the LNG outage spread, European gas prices surged by 35%, reflecting the market’s immediate reaction to the supply constraints. The ripple effects of this disruption are being felt globally, with countries scrambling to secure alternative energy sources. In response, India has begun actively seeking other LNG and LPG suppliers to mitigate the impact of these supply disruptions. Sujata Sharma, an energy analyst, stated, “We are trying to pick up the cargoes from other sources,” highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Moreover, India’s domestic LPG production has seen a notable increase of about 36% as the country attempts to bolster its energy security. However, the risk remains that 90% of India’s LPG imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, further complicating the supply chain. Randhir Jaiswal, an Indian official, emphasized the need for the protection of civilian energy infrastructure, stating, “India had previously called for the avoidance of targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, across the region.” This underscores the delicate balance of maintaining energy security while navigating geopolitical tensions.

The rising Brent crude prices, which briefly surged over 10% to above $119 per barrel, reflect the broader implications of the attacks on global energy markets. As countries adjust to the new reality of constrained LNG supplies, Indian buyers may face the prospect of procuring higher-priced spot cargoes or reducing consumption if the disruption through Hormuz persists, according to energy expert Sumit Ritolia.

As of now, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments of the damage and the potential for further disruptions. The multi-year supply loss in the LNG market poses significant challenges for India and other nations reliant on Qatari gas. The urgency to diversify energy sources has never been more critical, as countries navigate the complexities of global energy security in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions.

The post LNG Supply Disruption: Impact on India and Global Markets appeared first on newscri.

Residents in Lucknow are experiencing significant challenges with Indane gas bookings, leading to long queues outside LPG distributing agencies. This disruption has been attributed to a technical snag that halted online gas booking through the IVRS helpline and other digital systems.

Customers have reported waiting for hours to book cylinders, with some resorting to the black market, where a cylinder is priced at Rs 1,050, significantly higher than the regular rate of around Rs 900. This situation has raised concerns among residents about running out of gas before their refills arrive.

One customer, Hasan Faisal, expressed frustration, stating, “I bought a cylinder for Rs 1,050 while the regular rate is around Rs 900. In a crisis, we have to manage somehow because there is no supply.” The IVR system complicates matters further, as it may disconnect consumers attempting to book a second refill within 25 days of their previous booking.

Additionally, a Bengaluru-based customer, Madhu Menon, accused Indane of fraud, claiming that cylinders were booked in his name but not delivered. He stated, “Got this message saying my last cylinder was delivered on 25 Feb and I can’t order again till late March. Except I haven’t ordered a new cylinder since early 2025! Then I discovered clear fraud!”

The disruption in gas supply has been linked to a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, driven by geopolitical issues involving Iran, the US, and Israel. In response, the Centre has revised the priority order for domestically produced natural gas.

Despite these challenges, LPG companies have reported that the booking system is functioning normally. Consumers are encouraged to use alternative digital booking methods, such as SMS booking, missed call services, or mobile applications.

However, some customers continue to face difficulties. One woman had to seek help for her gas booking because it was not processed, and another reported being unable to connect to the Indian Oil Corporation booking helpline despite repeated attempts.

Agency staff acknowledged the situation, stating, “There is a server issue right now. It should be resolved soon.” As residents navigate these ongoing issues, the uncertainty surrounding gas supply and booking processes remains a pressing concern.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the disruptions and the timeline for resolution as customers await further updates from Indane and LPG distributors.

The post Indane Gas Booking Issues Cause Long Queues in Lucknow appeared first on newscri.