Over 50.5 Lakh Domestic LPG Cylinders Delivered in a Single Day Amid Crisis
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) On Thursday, over 50.5 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were successfully distributed to households, maintaining a steady supply of cooking gas despite ongoing disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict, as reported by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Friday.
Additionally, 4.68 lakh PNG connections have been converted to gas, and 5.23 lakh new customers have registered for connections since March. This initiative encourages consumers to adopt alternative energy sources such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops. States have been instructed to facilitate the establishment of new PNG connections for both domestic and commercial users.
Online bookings for LPG have surged to approximately 98% across the sector, with delivery based on an authentication code (DAC) sent to consumers' registered mobile numbers reaching around 93% to curb diversion.
The Ministry is actively ensuring the uninterrupted distribution of petroleum products and LPG throughout the nation, especially in light of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as stated in their announcement.
Citizens are urged to refrain from panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG, and to dismiss any rumors, relying instead on official channels for accurate information. LPG users are encouraged to utilize digital booking methods and minimize visits to distributors.
Refineries are operating at peak capacity, with adequate crude stockpiles, and there are sufficient supplies of petrol and diesel. Local LPG production from refineries has been ramped up to support domestic needs, according to the statement.
Public sector oil companies have intensified inspections and imposed penalties on 255 LPG distributors, with 65 distributorships suspended as of Thursday.
Despite the prevailing geopolitical tensions, the government has guaranteed that 100% of the domestic LPG, PNG, and CNG supply for vehicles is being maintained, as per the official statement.
The distribution of commercial LPG has been prioritized for hospitals and educational institutions, along with sectors such as pharmaceuticals, steel, automobiles, seeds, and agriculture. Furthermore, the supply of 5 kg LPG to migrant workers has been doubled based on the average daily distribution recorded on March 2 and 3.
The government has implemented various rationalization strategies on both supply and demand fronts, which includes boosting refinery output, extending the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban regions and up to 45 days in rural areas, and prioritizing specific sectors for supply.
Alternate fuels like kerosene and coal have also been made available to alleviate the pressure on LPG demand.
The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to provide additional coal to states for distribution to small and medium consumers, as mentioned in the statement.