Mani Shankar Aiyar writes: What could have been done to avert a cooking gas crisis -- and wasn't

Former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has written an article highlighting the cooking gas crisis in India and what could have been done to avert it. Aiyar, who was in charge of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in the UPA government, has pointed out that the total 'strategic' stock of LPG in the country is no more than a couple of days more, which he calls 'gross irresponsibility'.

Aiyar has also mentioned that the Essential Commodities Act has been invoked, oil refineries have been ordered to ramp up LPG output, and the minister is in touch with 'over 40 countries' to secure LPG. However, Aiyar has questioned why these measures were not taken a year ago.

Aiyar has also shared his experience as the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, where he focused on building a global network of research institutions to provide technology to drill through the lava and volcanic rock-laden 'Deccan trap' to get to domestic on-shore reserves. He also prioritized securing foreign exploratory fields, especially in the abundantly petroleum-endowed proximate neighbourhood, ranging from Iran and the Gulf to Central Asia.

Aiyar has emphasized the importance of energy security and how it can be achieved through technology and strategic partnerships. He has also highlighted the need for a two-track approach: domestic and external, to ensure energy security.

The article is a reflection of Aiyar's experience and expertise in the field of energy security and his suggestions for avert the cooking gas crisis in India.