New Delhi, March 19 -- As the Iran war enters the third week, Indians have reported a cooking gas shortage amid a conflict-driven supply shock. So far, Centre has maintained that the country has adequate crude supplies and refined fuel stocks to meet local fuel demand.

India, the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer, meets over 40% of its crude imports and 90% of of its LPG imports from West Asian nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

With the Strait of Hormuz being blocked, India has managed to partially offset crude oil supplies through alternative sources, such as Russia, and West Africa. However, sourcing from outside of the Middle East is costlier due to higher freight and insurance charges.

The Indian government h...