lpg gas cylinder
The Government of India has given priority to the needs of domestic consumers by ensuring 100 percent supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) amid the energy constraints caused by the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government has implemented several effective measures to stabilize the energy scenario and maintain essential services.
100 percent domestic supply
Sharma said that as you know, India’s energy supply was also affected due to the West Asia crisis. But the Government of India has taken many effective steps, due to which 100 percent supply has been ensured by giving priority to domestic PNG and LPG consumers. Apart from this, CNG transportation has also been 100 percent ensured. To support these efforts, domestic refineries increased LPG production, while the government adjusted the booking interval to 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas to manage demand.
Commercial supply 70 percent
With these strategic supply steps, it was possible to restore commercial LPG supply up to 70 percent. The government also gave priority to critical sectors including hospitals, educational institutions and industries like pharmaceuticals, steel, automobiles and agriculture. Sharma further said that as I told you, commercial supply was affected. But to avoid supply chain disruptions and shortage of essential commodities, the Government of India has restored 70 percent of the supplies in a planned manner. Since March 14, 1,34,000 tonnes of commercial LPG has been sold.
Online booking reached 98 percent
The ministry highlighted that domestic LPG supplies remained normal and there were no reports of dry outs at the distributor level. The adoption of digital mediums played an important role in maintaining this stability, as online bookings reached 98 percent and 93 percent of deliveries were completed through authentication codes.
Increase in 5 kg cylinder
To provide greater flexibility, the number of 5 kg cylinders was doubled, and alternative fuel options such as kerosene and coal were also made available to consumers. Sales of 5 kg cylinders have also increased. Oil marketing companies are running awareness camps. Since April 3, around 5,000 camps have been organized. About 57,800 cylinders have been sold in these camps. Yesterday, 583 camps were organised. About 8,575 cylinders have been sold in these camps. From March 23 till now, around 14,60,000 5 kg cylinders have been sold.
Focus on petrochemical sectors also
The government also focused on the industrial and petrochemical sectors and formed a joint working group on March 24 to ensure availability of feedstock. This resulted in C3 and C4 streams being allocated for petrochemical use, with approximately 1,000 tonnes of LPG per day diverted to the pharmaceutical and chemical departments. Additionally, City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities were directed to provide 100 per cent supply to critical industries, while 95 per cent of natural gas requirements for fertilizer were met.
2,100 surprise checks
To prevent market malpractices, authorities set up control rooms in all states and union territories. Monitoring committees recently conducted 2,100 surprise inspections, resulting in fines on 237 distributors and suspension of 58 others, to curb hoarding and black marketing. Sharma said that in the end, through you I would like to tell the citizens of the country that we have adequate supplies available. And LPG, petrol and diesel should be used only as per requirement.
