26 March,2026 01:19 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
The Centre on Thursday assured that petrol and diesel supplies remain stable across the country, with all retail fuel outlets functioning normally and maintaining adequate stock levels to meet national demand, reported news agency IANS.
The government also announced an accelerated rollout of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, alongside a series of policy measures aimed at strengthening energy distribution and curbing malpractices, reported IANS.
According to official sources, all fuel retail outlets are operating without disruption, even as isolated instances of panic buying were reported in some regions due to rumours. Authorities clarified that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel, reported IANS.
All refineries are currently functioning at high capacity, supported by sufficient crude oil inventories, ensuring uninterrupted supply across the country.
The government confirmed that domestic supply of PNG and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) remains at 100 per cent to meet household and transport needs, reported IANS.
At the same time, supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the gas grid is being maintained at around 80 per cent of their average consumption. This calibrated distribution aims to balance economic activity while prioritising essential usage.
The Centre has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, which introduces a streamlined and time-bound framework for expanding pipeline infrastructure nationwide, reported IANS.
The move is expected to fast-track PNG network growth and address longstanding challenges such as delays in land access for pipeline installation.
In a significant milestone, over 9,000 new PNG connections were provided in a single day across more than 110 geographical areas, reflecting the pace of expansion.
Public sector entities such as Indraprastha Gas Limited and GAIL have introduced incentives to encourage faster adoption of PNG connections.
In Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority has permitted round-the-clock pipeline laying and waived road restoration charges to facilitate quicker execution, reported IANS.
Additionally, the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation has been directed to clear City Gas Distribution applications within 10 days. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has also mandated priority connections for institutions such as residential schools, hostels, and community kitchens within five days.
To ensure equitable distribution of cooking fuel, the government has increased commercial LPG allocation to 50 per cent for States and Union Territories, prioritising essential sectors like restaurants, roadside eateries, and hotels, reported IANS.
An additional 10 per cent allocation has been linked to states' progress in shifting consumers from LPG to PNG.
Under the Essential Commodities Act, enforcement agencies conducted over 2,700 raids in a single day, seizing around 2,000 cylinders. So far, more than 650 FIRs have been registered and 155 individuals arrested in connection with illegal activities, reported IANS.
To reduce pressure on LPG demand, the Centre has allocated an additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to states. The Union Ministry of Coal has also increased coal supply to small and medium consumers, offering alternative energy sources, reported IANS.
Separately, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme for another five years beyond March 31, 2026, with a financial outlay of Rs 1,800 crore, reported IANS.
The government also announced plans to develop 100 new airports under a challenge-based model and construct 200 modern helipads as part of the Modified UDAN scheme, aimed at boosting regional connectivity.
(With inputs from IANS)
