India’s steel ministry has sought assistance from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to ensure steel plants are not affected by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortages, Reuters reports, citing a source. The move comes as gas shortages could shutter down some of the steel plants.

Crisis at mills: Supply constraints are beginning to affect smaller steel producers, who rely on LPG for operations. Industry executives have production disruptions, with potential knock-on effects on costs, employment and planned investments, if the situation persists. The current disruption marks the most severe LPG supply crunch faced by the sector in decades, the newswire added.

Remember- India has invoked emergency steps to prioritize natural gas for essential sectors after LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted, tightening fuel availability for industries.

India pushes auto manufacturers to cut oil dependence

The government of India is advising automakers to cut dependence on oil-based fuels in manufacturing and shift toward electricity in manufacturing operations as part of efforts to limit exposure to fuel disruptions, Fortune India reports, citing a government advisory.

Policy signal: The Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued a formal communication to industry bodies, including the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India and the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, outlining measures to reduce fuel consumption and improve energy efficiency across automotive manufacturing. Companies have been asked to optimize production cycles, reduce fuel use during idle and standby periods.

The advisory also points to changes in material usage, including greater reliance on recycled aluminium and the use of alternative materials such as polymers and high-strength steel in select applications, without affecting product quality.

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