Iran-Israel-US War: LPG shortage in India is no longer a concern limited to kitchens only. Due to the ongoing tension and conflict between America, Israel and Iran, pressure on energy supply is increasing. Experts believe that if this situation persists for a long time, its indirect impact may also be visible on mobile networks and internet services.
In fact, LPG is used in some industrial processes and in many places it is also the backup fuel for generators running for telecom towers and data centers. In such a situation, if supply is disrupted, there may be pressure on the operation of these facilities.
Pressure may increase on operation of telecom towers
Telecom companies have other electricity options but if the LPG shortage continues for a long time, their operating costs may increase. Minor network problems may also occur in some areas. According to the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), after the government’s instructions to give priority to domestic consumers, oil companies have stopped the supply of LPG to units involved in telecom tower construction. However, at present mobile network and internet services are running normally across the country.
Why is constant telecom connectivity important?
DIPA says that uninterrupted telecom network is very important not only for calls and internet but also for many important services. Facilities like 5G network, national security operations, emergency services, digital government platforms, online transactions and telemedicine completely depend on the telecom network. The organization has also warned that if the supply disruption continues, the construction of telecom infrastructure may also be affected.
Telecom tower construction may also be affected
In factories that make telecom towers, there is a continuous need for fuel to keep the zinc in the molten state in the galvanization plants. Some companies have currently adopted the option of low flame operation so that the plant does not get damaged.
But if the supply remains disrupted for a long time, these units may have to stop production by removing the molten zinc. Restarting such a plant is a time-consuming process which may delay tower construction.
Important demand made from the government
DIPA has requested the Department of Telecommunications to take up the issue with the power ministry and state power companies. The organization wants that telecom tower manufacturing units should be exempted from the ban on LPG and LNG supply. Besides, a demand has also been made to provide power supply to telecom infrastructure and mobile towers on priority basis. If the situation persists for a long time, the pace of installation of new telecom towers may slow down, affecting network expansion in remote and low connectivity areas.
Global energy concerns increased due to tension in Gulf region
Meanwhile, due to increasing tension between America and Iran, concerns regarding oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz have also increased. About 20 percent of the world’s total oil and gas trade passes through this route.
However, there are some alternative routes like Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline and UAE’s Habshan-Fujairah Pipeline which help in delivering oil to global markets by land rather than sea route. Nevertheless, if tension increases, it may have an impact on global energy markets and a sharp rise in prices may be seen.
Also read:
Smartphone Tips: Want to increase battery backup? How to set charging limit in Android and iPhone
