Dharmendra Pradhan speaks to Saudi Oil Minister for uninterrupted crude, LPG supplies

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday discussed global oil market developments and sourcing LPG with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies in the world’s third largest energy consumer.

Indian refineries have cut run-rates in view of slump in fuel demand resulting from an unprecedented nationwide lockdown that has shut businesses, suspended flights, stopped trains and driven most vehicles off-road. But the reduced run-rates of refineries also means lower output of LPG. Cooking gas demand has, however, seen a surge and India is relying on imports to keep supply lines going. Saudi not just supplies crude oil to India but also is its biggest LPG source.