India has temporarily reintroduced kerosene for household use and permitted the use of coal and other alternative fuels for hotels and restaurants as the escalating West Asia crisis disrupts the country’s energy supply chains. The move comes after the conflict effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz. In fact, about 85% of India’s crude oil imports and a substantial proportion of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) are transported through this route. Statistics reveal that India imported around 219 million tonnes of crude oil in the previous fiscal year, with a significant share coming from West Asian countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Furthermore, India’s LNG imports, which stood at approximately 24 million tonnes, predominantly transit through this critical maritime passage.
Historically, kerosene has been phased out due to its detrimental impact on the environment and health. However, the escalating energy supply crisis has necessitated a reassessment of this stance, as kerosene can offer a crucial alternative for households facing shortages of cleaner cooking fuels.
While the reintroduction of kerosene may appear counterintuitive in light of environmental concerns, it serves as a necessary measure to address immediate fuel supply challenges. In the broader context, these actions underscore the need for a balanced approach to managing India’s energy landscape during times of crisis.
The temporary reintroduction of kerosene amid the ongoing energy supply might have significant implications for India’s long-term energy strategy. This crisis serves as a pivotal moment, underscoring the urgent need for a more robust and diversified approach to energy security. As the government navigates the complexities of energy supply stabilisation, it becomes clear that a multifaceted strategy is essential to mitigate vulnerabilities.
India’s energy strategy requires a focus on monitoring the energy landscape more systematically. The establishment of real-time tracking systems will enable authorities to assess demand fluctuations and supply bottlenecks more accurately.
Furthermore, there will be an evident push towards diversifying energy supplies through multiple routes. This will include not only traditional sources but also an increased emphasis on renewable energy options. By enhancing connectivity with neighbouring energy-rich countries and investing in alternative energy infrastructures, India can progressively reduce its reliance on any single source. This strategic diversification is crucial for fostering a resilient energy framework that can withstand both local and global shocks.
As part of the government’s strategic roadmap, prioritisation of energy supply for critical sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and food security will be paramount to prevent operational disruptions in essential services during emergencies, thus reinforcing public trust in the energy system. Lessons learned from the current crisis will likely reshape regulatory frameworks, ensuring that future policies are better equipped to handle unforeseen energy challenges.
The trajectory of India’s energy policy is undergoing a transformation influenced by the recent supply crisis. What the country needs is a diversified supply chain and vigilant monitoring mechanisms if it wants to set a stronger foundation for future energy sustainability.
