Government Issues Over 350,000 PNG Connections in March; LPG Supply Remains Steady
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) In the first three weeks of March this year, city gas distribution companies have issued over 350,000 domestic and commercial piped natural gas (PNG) connections for cooking purposes. Meanwhile, deliveries of domestic LPG cylinders are proceeding normally, and there has been a notable decrease in panic bookings, as per a government announcement made on Monday.
The supply of LPG is being closely monitored due to the current geopolitical conditions, and no instances of dry-outs have been reported at the distributorships.
The Government of India has reinstated 20% of the commercial LPG supply to consumers. Additionally, a further 10% allocation of commercial LPG is being proposed for States and Union Territories based on their ease of doing business reforms aimed at expanding PNG.
Domestic LPG production from refineries has seen an increase compared to pre-crisis levels. All refineries are functioning at high capacity with sufficient crude reserves, and adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are being upheld, the statement disclosed.
No dry-out incidents have been reported at retail locations by Oil Marketing Companies, and petrol and diesel supplies are consistently maintained. Citizens are encouraged to refrain from panic purchasing as stocks are readily available.
Priority sectors continue to receive assured supplies, including 100% supply to domestic PNG and CNG transport, while supplies to industrial and commercial users are being regulated at around 80%.
City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies have been instructed to prioritize PNG connections for commercial entities, with incentives provided by firms like IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas, and BPCL. Commercial LPG users in major cities and urban regions are encouraged to transition to PNG.
The Government of India has urged states and UTs to hasten the approval of applications necessary for the expansion of the CGD network.
The Petroleum Ministry is currently evaluating applications from the Governments of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh concerning significant measures taken to promote CGD and facilitate the transition to PNG.
The Government of India has called upon all relevant Central Government Ministries to expedite the processing of all pending and new permissions related to CGD infrastructure.
The Government has also requested a thorough assessment of potential demand for PNG connections within establishments across various Ministries and Departments, designating a nodal officer from each to coordinate this effort.