Wednesday 25/March/2026 – 07:21 PM
Several Indian states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana, witnessed severe crowding in front of gas stations today, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, as a result of popular fears of supply chains being disrupted as a result of the war in Iran. and Strait of Hormuz tensions.
The situation required police intervention in some areas to organize the crowds, especially in the city of Hyderabad, where the crowding entered its second day, amid concern about the impact of closing sea lanes on energy shipments and raising shipping costs, according to the Indian Express.
Crude oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz
The reasons for Indian concern are that about 40% of crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but the greatest pressure is focused on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), from which India imports 60% of its needs, 90% of which comes from the Middle East.
Reuters estimates that gas imports may decline by 46% per day during the month of March, making the Gulf unrest affecting domestic gas supplies at a faster pace than crude oil.
Stability of domestic prices and the position of the Indian government
Despite global oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel, the Indian government confirmed that there is no shortage of petroleum products, and oil companies appealed to citizens not to rush to buy to ensure the smooth flow of work at the stations.
India has kept the prices of regular gasoline and diesel stable so far to protect consumers, while the increase was limited to premium gasoline (high octane) by about 6.98 rupees on March 20.
Unlike the affected neighboring countries, the pressure in India has not yet reached critical levels, as prices remain stable since the start of the Iran war.
The authorities continue to monitor the current situation in the shipping lanes, while emphasizing the adequacy of strategic stocks to meet the needs of the local market, despite the severe traffic congestion witnessed on the main roads near gas stations until late hours of the night.
