Addressing a media briefing, Sujata Sharma said the government has taken several measures to ensure continuous availability of LPG for households
Pic/PTI
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Friday assured that domestic LPG supply across the country remains stable and uninterrupted, urging citizens not to engage in panic booking of cooking gas cylinders despite concerns arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict, reported PTI.
Addressing a media briefing, Sujata Sharma said the government has taken several measures to ensure continuous availability of LPG for households.
LPG production increased by 30 per cent since March 5
Sharma said domestic production of liquefied petroleum gas has increased significantly in recent days.
“Domestic production of LPG has already increased by about 30 per cent since March 5. There is no need for panic booking, and no dry-out has been reported at any LPG dealer,” she said, reported PTI.
However, she noted that LPG bookings have surged sharply in recent days due to public anxiety. According to official data, bookings have risen to 75.7 lakh compared with the pre-conflict daily average of 55.7 lakh.
Officials said the spike reflects precautionary or panic booking rather than any actual shortage of LPG supplies.
West Asia conflict impacts global energy routes
The concerns come amid escalating tensions in West Asia that have affected global energy supply chains.
Energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes - have been disrupted following the widening conflict that began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
The 50-mile-long waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
India depends heavily on energy imports, sourcing about 88 per cent of its crude oil, 50 per cent of its LNG requirements and nearly 60 per cent of its LPG imports through routes passing via the strait.
Petrol and diesel supplies remain stable
Despite the disruptions, the government said petrol and diesel availability across the country remains stable.
Sharma stated that India has a refining capacity of 258 million metric tonnes and is self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel.
“All refineries in the country are operating at 100 per cent capacity or higher and have adequate crude oil inventories. Supplies are being consistently maintained,” she said, reported PTI.
No supply disruptions reported at LPG distributors
The official said there are around 25,000 LPG distributors across the country and none has reported any supply disruption or stock-out.
She appealed to citizens not to spread rumours or engage in unnecessary booking of cylinders.
“Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps, and LPG supply is being maintained. I urge citizens not to give credence to rumours,” Sharma said.
PNG and CNG supplies continuing without interruption
Sharma also said the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas remains uninterrupted across the country, reported PTI.
However, she acknowledged that some commercial consumers in large cities who depend on LPG are facing difficulties due to the current supply pressures.
The government has advised such users to approach their local City Gas Distribution providers to obtain PNG connections as an alternative energy source.
Officials reiterated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure that households and essential services continue to receive uninterrupted energy supplies.
(With inputs from PTI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
