After a surge in panic bookings, LPG cylinder demand has begun to ease across the country. Authorities have launched raids in multiple states to check hoarding and black marketing while urging consumers to avoid unnecessary bookings
Centre says 22 states and Union Territories (UTs) have established control rooms to monitor the situation. Representational image.
Amid the concerning LPG crisis across the country, there has been a decline in cylinder bookings. Consumer panic over domestic gas availability eased as raids target hoarding and black marketing across states, news agency IANS reported, quoting an official statement on Monday.
In a post on social media X, PIB India posted that there has been a drop in liquified petroleum gas (LPG) bookings with about 77 lakh bookings recorded on March 14 compared to 88.8 lakh bookings on March 13.
The post from PIB further added, "Online LPG cylinder bookings increased from 84 per cent to about 87 per cent, and there have been no reported dry-outs at LPG distributorships."
Raids conducted across India amid LPG shortage
It further stated that raids are being conducted across states to check hoarding and black marketing, and 22 states and Union Territories (UTs) have established control rooms to monitor the situation.
The government also appealed to consumers to avoid panic bookings, use digital booking platforms, and avoid unnecessary visits to LPG distributors.
LPG crisis: Government continues to prioritise supply, says petroleum ministry
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the government continues to prioritise the interests of domestic consumers and ensure an uninterrupted LPG supply, particularly for households and priority sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions, the ministry said in a statement.
No cases of fuel dry-outs have been reported at retail outlets by oil marketing companies (OMCs) – Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum – as supplies of petrol and diesel continue to be maintained regularly, according to the ministry.
While issuing the advisory, the ministry also highlighted that citizens are advised not to panic as the government remains committed to maintaining adequate LPG availability for households and essential sectors. LPG cylinders can be booked through multiple digital platforms, including IVRS calls, SMS booking, WhatsApp booking, and mobile applications of OMCs.
OMCs are promoting digital bookings, discouraging panic bookings and keeping LPG distributorships open on Sundays to facilitate smooth supply. However, amid the crisis, LPG supply continues to be monitored in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation.
(With IANS inputs)
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