With no LPG tanker arriving at Kochi port since tensions escalated in West Asia, shortages in commercial LPG affected restaurants and triggered protests. However, supplies for household consumers remained stable after the refinery at Ambalamugal raised its daily LPG output from around 3,500 tonnes to 4,700 tonnes.
To achieve this, BPCL temporarily halted operations at its Propylene Derivatives Petrochemical Project (PDPP), which produces specialised petrochemicals, and diverted propylene for LPG production following directions from the Centre. The move helped offset a nearly 50% decline in the country’s LPG imports and enabled the refinery to supply Kerala as well as parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The increased production allowed Indian Oil Corporation to redirect its own LPG stocks to other regions, helping ease the nationwide supply situation. Although the shift required higher operating expenditure and created technical challenges linked to the shutdown of the petrochemical unit, BPCL said it took the decision as part of its public responsibility during the crisis.
As tensions in West Asia show signs of easing and LPG availability improves, BPCL expects to restart operations at the PDPP plant, which was commissioned in 2021 and produces chemicals used in paints, adhesives, detergents, resins, printing inks and water treatment applications.
