Source: AI generated image
Introduction
We usually link the concept of energy security with remote issues like oil fields, international
agreements, or large policy debates. For instance, it is in our kitchen where an LPG cylinder is
placed under the gas stove. For many Indian families, LPG is a major change from firewood and
kerosene, not only economically but also socially. Using fuel such as LPG, however, exposes
this dependence silently to risk. Besides the LPG leaks being quite frequent, when these
accidents happen, they usually do so suddenly and with a lot of harm. With the disturbances in
the global supply routes particularly those around the Strait of Hormuz a new element of
unpredictability has appeared.
Hence, a critical question arises: whether the law is really adequate to take care of both security
and scarcity
Background & Legal Framework
India's legal framework for LPG goes back to the older laws like the Explosives Act, 1884,
which, in general, gives the state power to regulate substances that are capable of producing
explosions. Along with it, the Petroleum Act, 1934, is the law that specifically deals with
petroleum products and their storage and transportation.
These general laws have been changed and adapted to suit the provisions related to LPG. The
Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016, is a piece of legislation that specifies even the smallest details. It
specifies the standards for manufacturing, testing, transporting, and storing cylinders in homes.
The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation is the body responsible for licensing,
inspection, and enforcement of these regulations.
Supply Anxiety: The Iran Factor
Safety is one aspect of the issue, but supply is the other side and it is hardly possible to ignore it
any longer. India is a major importer of LPG, as highlighted in reports by the International
Energy Agency, and a major share of India’s imported LPG is being shipped through the Strait
of Hormuz, one of the world’s key energy chokepoints, making supply vulnerable to geopolitical
disruptions. Because of the Iran issue, this path has become very unpredictable. We are informed
of shipment hold-ups, changes of prices, and even limited local supplies. But, it has come to the
surface that there is a vulnerability, India does not have large LPG stockpiles to rely on. Unlike
crude oil, where strategic reserves exist, India has relatively limited LPG storage capacity.
And supply shortage is a problem that can give rise to other issues as well. Hoarding, black-
marketing, uneven distribution.
Structural gaps and day-to-day situations
It would be incomplete to argue that the problem is simply of "implementation.” India's
dependence on imports has not come overnight. However, it has coincided with programs like
the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which has brought LPG to millions of additional
households. But it has also brought demand to be higher without a corresponding increase in
domestic production or storage.
Besides, there is still a lack of consistency in implementation. While in the cities regular safety
checks are done, and installations are more in conformity with the standards, the situation in the
villages is much the opposite. Cylinders are kept in unsafe places at times, refilled unofficially,
and mishandled without much understanding of the risk involved. There are rules established,
but they don't always get to the places that need them the most.
What Could Be Done (Realistically)
There is no single or immediate solution. But a few steps seem both necessary and practical.
At the policy level, building strategic LPG reserves would strengthen supply security.
Also, diversifying import sources is a good way to reduce dependence on politically volatile
regions.
Incremental, smaller changes can also be made.
For instance, better monitoring of cylinder distribution could help minimize leakages in the
system. Promoting alternatives such as induction stoves, biogas units, etc. might help reduce the
demand even if to a very small extent.
Changes at the household level are less dramatic but just as important.
Regular examination, adequate ventilation, not turning a blind eye to that slight gas smell, etc.,
are the basics.
Conclusion
On some level, LPG is a success story. It has greatly improved the kitchen experience. Cooking
with it is hygienic, quicker, and more common. However, it is also a caution that the energy
supply is not always dependable.
India has a comprehensive and strict set of laws around LPG safety. In fact, the courts have also
given a great deal of importance to responsibility and accountability by stepping in where the
regulatory system is either totally missing or not adequate. However, the recent interruptions in
supply chains demonstrate that merely guaranteeing safety through rules is not enough. Apart
from safety, a product's availability is also very important.
Perhaps the bigger problem is not about drafting stricter and more effective laws. It is much
more about making linkages between regulatory policies, infrastructure on the ground, and
people in their daily lives. After all, energy security means having a stove that can be operated,
on a normal day, without fear or doubt.
Gangadin Rishika
3/5, Pendekanti Law College
