As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global energy markets, an Indian energy company has urged the Centre to introduce a national policy focused on improving the efficient use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Pune Gas has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas seeking what it describes as India’s first LPG Efficiency Policy Framework. The recommendation comes as uncertainty in global LPG markets has increased following the ongoing conflict involving Iran, contributing to higher commercial LPG prices and increasing costs for businesses that depend on the fuel.

According to the company, commercial LPG cylinder prices have risen to around Rs 3,100 from nearly Rs 1,884 earlier this year due to supply constraints. The increase has affected sectors such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals, food processing units, laundries, MSMEs and manufacturing industries that rely heavily on LPG.

While India has largely maintained uninterrupted LPG supplies through government measures, Pune Gas said improving the efficiency of LPG consumption should become the next step towards strengthening the country’s energy security.

Company proposes national LPG efficiency framework

In its representation to Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Pune Gas has recommended a comprehensive policy framework aimed at reducing LPG wastage, promoting standardisation and encouraging the adoption of efficient LPG infrastructure across commercial and industrial establishments.

Among its key recommendations, the company has urged the government to improve LPG utilisation efficiency across industries and encourage Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to promote 47.5-kg LOT cylinders wherever operationally suitable.

According to Pune Gas, the larger cylinders can help reduce fuel wastage, improve safety standards, minimise pilferage and optimise available LPG supplies.

The proposal also recommends nationwide awareness campaigns on efficient LPG usage, greater collaboration between the government, OMCs and industry stakeholders to standardise practices, and policy incentives to encourage the adoption of efficient LPG systems.

CEO says efficiency should become national priority

Explaining the proposal, Jesal Sampat, Executive Director and CEO of Pune Gas, said India has traditionally focused on increasing LPG procurement and supply, but should now also emphasise efficient utilisation.

He said the country’s next step in strengthening energy security would come not only from increasing fuel availability but also by reducing avoidable wastage, adding that efficient LPG use can lower operating costs, reduce pressure on national demand and improve the resilience of India’s energy ecosystem.

Sampat also urged the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to recognise LPG efficiency as a national priority by introducing a dedicated policy framework focused on efficiency and standardisation, stating that such measures would strengthen India’s energy resilience while supporting industries dependent on LPG.

Pune Gas offers technology and implementation support

As part of its proposal, Pune Gas highlighted LPGenius, an indigenous LPG management system developed by the company under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. According to the company, the system is designed to improve LPG efficiency, operational safety and cost optimisation for commercial and industrial users.

The company has also offered to support the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Oil Marketing Companies by sharing field data, implementation insights and case studies, besides assisting with pilot projects aimed at developing a more efficient and sustainable LPG ecosystem in India.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday responded sharply after receiving a Rs 100 crore legal notice from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the party of avoiding a political confrontation by taking the matter to court.

The BJP’s notice demands that Abdullah either apologise or provide evidence to support his allegation that BJP leaders had offered between Rs 20 crore and Rs 30 crore to National Conference (NC) legislators to persuade them to switch sides.

Omar Abdullah calls legal notice a ‘love letter’

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said he had received an electronic copy of the legal notice and described it as a “love letter” from the BJP.

He said he viewed the notice as a sign that the BJP considered him a significant political opponent.

“I am perhaps the only politician who has been bestowed with a ‘love letter’ like this by the BJP. I consider this a mark of respect that I am obviously a political force they cannot ignore,” Abdullah said.

Says BJP chose court over political response

Abdullah criticised the BJP for pursuing legal action instead of responding politically to his allegations.

He said he deliberately made the remarks at a political event rather than in the Assembly, where statements are protected from legal challenge, because he expected a political rebuttal.

According to Abdullah, the BJP’s decision to approach the court reflected its style of handling political disputes.

National Conference to initiate legal action

The Chief Minister also announced that the National Conference would begin issuing legal notices to BJP leaders in Jammu and Kashmir over what he described as unfounded and defamatory allegations against his party.

He said senior BJP leaders had been making slanderous remarks against the National Conference over the past few months and that the party would now respond through legal channels.

Abdullah added that the National Conference would serve legal notices to those leaders and see how the legal process unfolds.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Punjab on July 17 to inaugurate and lay the foundation for multiple railway projects, marking his first visit to the state since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decided to contest future elections independently in Punjab.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the redeveloped Jalandhar Cantonment Railway Station, which has been modernised under the Centre’s Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The 110-year-old station is among 75 railway stations across the country scheduled to be inaugurated as part of the government’s railway modernisation programme.

The redevelopment aims to improve passenger amenities, enhance station accessibility and transform railway stations into modern transport hubs.

New train service between Jalandhar and Varanasi

Apart from inaugurating the upgraded station, PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the Shri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj Express, a new train service connecting Jalandhar and Varanasi.

Named after Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, the train is intended to strengthen connectivity between Punjab and Varanasi, where the revered saint spent a significant part of his life. Guru Ravidass is widely respected for promoting equality and social justice, and his teachings continue to hold special significance in Punjab, particularly among the Scheduled Caste community.

Visit comes amid changing political landscape

The Prime Minister’s visit comes at a time when political activity has intensified in Punjab ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The BJP recently announced that it would contest future elections in Punjab without entering into alliances, making this visit politically significant as the party seeks to strengthen its independent presence in the state.

Party leaders have projected the visit as development-focused, highlighting infrastructure initiatives and improved connectivity. In social media posts, Punjab BJP leaders welcomed the Prime Minister and described the visit as an important occasion for the state.

Security and preparations underway

Authorities have stepped up preparations for the Prime Minister’s programme in Jalandhar. Security arrangements are being reviewed while logistical preparations at the railway station are underway to ensure the smooth conduct of the visit.