New Delhi, March 15 (NationPress) - India is fully capable of meeting its petrol and diesel needs without relying on imports, with all refineries operating at optimal levels and holding sufficient crude oil reserves, as stated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Sunday.

The government is focused on safeguarding the needs of local consumers, ensuring a steady supply of LPG, especially for households and critical sectors like healthcare and education, according to the ministry's announcement.

Oil marketing companies (OMCs) including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum have confirmed that there are no reports of fuel shortages at retail stations. Regular supplies of petrol and diesel are being upheld, and authorities urge citizens to avoid panic buying, assuring that ample stocks are available throughout the nation.

The ministry also reassured the public that it is committed to guaranteeing a consistent supply of LPG for domestic use and essential services. Consumers can conveniently book LPG cylinders via various digital methods, such as IVRS calls, SMS, WhatsApp, and OMC mobile applications.

To promote convenience, OMCs are advocating for digital bookings, discouraging panic purchases, and ensuring that LPG distributors are operational on Sundays for uninterrupted supply.

The public is encouraged to utilize digital booking platforms and limit their visits to LPG distributors. LPG supply is being closely monitored in light of the ongoing geopolitical climate. A decline in LPG bookings was noted, with 77 lakh bookings on Saturday compared to 88.8 lakh the previous day, while online bookings have risen from 84% to approximately 87%.

Citizens are also encouraged to consider alternative fuels like PNG when available. The government and public-sector OMCs continue to raise awareness about the reliable delivery of LPG and the recent drop in panic bookings.

Essential sectors are receiving guaranteed gas supplies, including full allocations for PNG and CNG, while industrial and commercial users are receiving about 80% of their required supply, as noted in the statement.

Commercial LPG users in urban centers are advised to consider switching to PNG and can apply for connections through email, letters, or the customer service portal of City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies.

Domestic LPG production has been maximized, and consumers are urged to book refills online. Booking intervals have been adjusted to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural regions to ensure fair distribution.

Additionally, an extra allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been designated for states and Union Territories to support alternative fuel requirements.

Alternative fuels, including kerosene and coal, have been activated for specific industries such as hospitality and restaurants to alleviate the strain on LPG supplies.