Consumer goods major Britannia Industries said on Friday that it has not experienced any significant disruption to its manufacturing operations as it addressed market speculation about potential industrial gas supply issues linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
In a clarification issued on Friday, the Marie Gold biscuit maker said it had received multiple enquiries and noted reports suggesting its operations could be impacted due to industrial gas supply concerns in the country.
It said that there has been no material impact on operations at its manufacturing facilities so far and added that it currently has adequate levels of finished goods across its supply chain network to meet market demand.
India’s supplies of crude oil, LPG and liquefied natural gas have been disrupted by shipping constraints after the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran affected traffic through the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Despite government steps to secure supplies, restaurants, hotels and industries are beginning to feel the strain from tighter LPG availability.
The company also said it uses a range of fuels across its manufacturing units—including LPG, PNG, biomass and liquid fuels—allowing it to switch between fuels where feasible through technical adjustments.
“Will continue to closely monitor developments while taking appropriate steps to ensure continuity of operations,” the company said in a statement, adding that it remains confident in its ability to manage any potential challenges and will make disclosures as required regulations.
LPG crisis in India
Despite the assurances, India is facing a growing LPG shortage as disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict strain fuel supply chains.
Long queues outside gas agencies have been reported in states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, while restaurants and small businesses say commercial LPG cylinders have become difficult to obtain, forcing some outlets to switch to induction cookers or temporarily shut operations.
India has asked citizens to not panic book gas cylinders and has increased the allowed gas booking dates to 25 from 21 days earlier.
Government says supplies secure
India is securing additional liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cargoes from sources such as the United States, Norway, Canada and Russia, besides available supplies from the Gulf region, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said.
The government has invoked emergency powers directing refiners to maximise LPG production and cut supplies to industry to ensure households are protected. Domestic LPG supply remains fully secure and delivery cycles are unchanged, Puri said, adding that sourcing of crude from outside the Strait of Hormuz has risen to about 70 per cent of imports.
