New Delhi, March 26 -- India is moving on two fronts as the Iran war rattles energy supplies. First, it is accelerating long-pending strategic oil reserves, reviving projects like Chandikhol and fast-tracking Padur, to build a stronger safety net against future shocks. But these reserves will take years to complete.

So, what about the immediate crunch? The government is pushing households to switch from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) within 90 days wherever pipelines exist. With nearly 90% of LPG imports and a significant share of crude flows exposed to disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz, the urgency is clear.

At the same time, authorities are tightening pricing practices, asking hotels and restaurants to stop adding hidden fuel surch...