New Delhi: The government on Friday reassured that refineries are currently operating at their highest capacity to meet the rising demand. The assurance was given by Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
While addressing an inter-ministerial briefing today, the government official said LPG production in the country has increased by 40 per cent. She assured that there is no dry-out at retail outlets. Sharma further said that LPG panic booking has been reduced, and online bookings of LPG have gone up to 93 per cent.
Sharma informed that around 13,700 piped natural gas (PNG) connections have been provided, while online LPG bookings have jumped to 93 per cent. The official said that approximately 11,300 tonnes of LPG have been supplied for commercial use so far.
LPG: Action against black marketing
Taking actions against black marketing and hoarding, authorities conducted nearly 4,500 raids across India on 20 March (Friday), Sharma said. The oil companies conducted 1,800 surprise inspections of petrol pumps and LPG distributorships.
The official admitted to LPG availability remaining a concern in certain areas. She assured that efforts are ongoing to stabilise the LPG situation nationwide.
LPG availability a cocern
“Panic booking is coming down. LPG (supply) situation remains worrisome, but there is no dry out at any LPG distributor,” she said.
“Situation is still worrisome, but we are maintaining supplies at a normal level for domestic users,” Sharma added.
She appealed to consumers to wait for LPG home delivery of their refill after booking and not rush for panic booking. People residing near a city gas network are being encouraged to shift to piped natural gas.
The LPG supply restrictions for commercial consumers continue due to ongoing disruptions in input supplies caused by the West Asia conflict.
The US-Israel and Iran war has led to the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical strategic waterway, through which India gets 60 per cent of its imports.