Why Centre has invoked Essential Commodities Act amid Hormuz Strait disruptions

THe authorities on tues invoked the indispensable Commodities move, 1955, a jurisprudence that allows authorities to regulate the production, supply and distribution of critical goods, news agency ANI reported. The move comes amid a global energy crisis after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war with US.India currently has around 332 million active LPG consumers, making the stability of cooking gas supplies a major concern for households and businesses alike, according to Reuters.The move comes as several major hotel owners' associations in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai have claimed shortages of commercial LPG cylinders.Below is a detailed explanation of what the law means and why the government has invoked it now.What is the Essential Commodities Act, 1955?The Essential Commodities Act (ECA) was introduced to ensure that goods critical to everyday life remain available to the public.If the supply of such goods is disrupted, it can affect the daily lives of citizens. To prevent this, the Act empowers the government to intervene and manage the supply of commodities deemed “essential”.These typically include:Food itemsFertilisersDrugsFuel and energy productsWhat powers does the government get under the Act?The most important authority under the law comes from Section 3 of the Act, which gives the Centre broad powers to regulate essential commodities.Under these powers, the government can:Control production or refining of essential goods if requiredRegulate supply and distribution across different statesFix prices or impose price caps to keep commodities affordableSet stock limits for traders, wholesalers or retailers to prevent hoardingIn effect, the Act allows the government to step into the market and manage supply chains when normal market mechanisms fail to ensure availability.Why has the government invoked the law now?The immediate trigger is the disruption in LPG imports caused by the conflict in the Middle East.India is the world’s second-largest importer of LPG, consuming 33.15 million metric tonnes last year. A large share of this demand is met through imports.More than 80% of these imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global energy trade.However, ship movements through the strait have effectively come to a halt following the escalation of tensions in the region. The conflict was triggered on February 28, when the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes against Iran.With shipping through the strait disrupted, the impact is now being felt in India’s fuel supply chain.Which sectors will get priority gas supply?According to the government order, natural gas supplies will be prioritised for sectors that are critical to daily consumption and essential infrastructure.These include:Domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supplyCompressed Natural Gas (CNG) used for transportLPG production, including LPG shrinkage requirementsPipeline compressor fuelOther essential pipeline operational requirements(With inputs from agencies)