FMCG major Britannia Industries has clarified that its manufacturing operations remain unaffected despite growing concerns over industrial gas supply disruptions in India following tensions in West Asia.
The company issued a statement after reports and market speculation suggested that tightening supplies of LPG and other fuels could impact food manufacturing across the country. Britannia said there has been no material disruption at its production facilities so far and that it currently has adequate finished goods across its supply chain to meet market demand.
India has been facing pressure on supplies of crude oil, LPG and liquefied natural gas due to shipping constraints in the Gulf region after the ongoing conflict involving Iran affected movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. The situation has led to tighter availability of commercial LPG, with restaurants, hotels and small industries in several states reporting difficulties in securing cylinders.
Britannia, however, said its operations are protected by fuel flexibility across its plants. The company uses multiple energy sources, including LPG, piped natural gas (PNG), biomass and liquid fuels, allowing it to switch between fuels where technically feasible.
“We have not experienced any significant disruption to our manufacturing operations. We have sufficient finished goods inventory across our network and will continue to closely monitor developments while taking appropriate steps to ensure continuity of operations,” the company said.
Reports of LPG shortages have emerged from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, where long queues outside gas agencies have been seen, and several commercial establishments have been forced to limit operations or shift to alternative cooking methods.
The government has urged consumers not to panic and has increased the gas booking interval to manage supply pressure. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India is securing additional LPG cargoes from countries including the United States, Norway, Canada and Russia, while directing refiners to maximise production to ensure household supplies remain protected.
Industry observers say large food companies with diversified fuel options are better placed to manage the situation, but prolonged disruption in LPG supply could create operational challenges for smaller manufacturers and food businesses.