Read ahead to know how what is LPG, how it is made and the reason behind ongoing crisis across the country.

A large share of global LPG shipments travels the Strait Of Hormuz, the narrow Gulf passage now under strain amid tensions in Iran.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is mainly mixture of Propane and Butane. These gases are normally invisible and weightless in the air. But when compressed, they turn into a dense liquid that can be stored in cylinders. That is why a household LPG cylinder can hold enough fuel for weeks of cooking.

60 per cent of the total LPG comes from Natural gas processing and remaining 40 per cent comes from oil refining.

Millions of years ago, LPG formed underground. Ancient plants and marine organisms were buried under layers of sediment. Heat and pressure slowly transformed this organic material into crude oil and natural gas.

LPG can be easily packed and stored in many ways, making it easy to transport.

Check the above image to know how LPG is separated from natural gas.

LPG is heated to very high temperatures inside a refinery and then it is enters a distillation column.

Propane and butane become liquids when compressed to moderate pressure.

Major LPG exporters include US, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important energy routes in the world. It is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.

India is one of the largest LPG consumers in the world. But domestic production meets only about 35-40% of this demand.

87 per cent of the total LPG demand is in the household kitchens and 13 per cent is used for commercial purpose.

Check state-wise active LPG collections in the picture above.