New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) The government has confirmed that all fuel retail outlets are functioning normally, maintaining ample stocks of petrol and diesel to satisfy national demand. Simultaneously, a swift expansion of PNG connections is actively taking place throughout the nation.

Refineries are running at full capacity, with sufficient crude oil reserves available. Despite some instances of panic buying triggered by rumors, the government reassures that all retail operations are stable.

Furthermore, the government is ensuring a 100% supply of domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation. The supply to industrial and commercial customers linked to the grid is being supported at around 80% of their typical consumption levels, which is essential for maintaining economic stability and advancing India's progress.

In a significant development, the government has announced the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, which establishes an efficient, time-sensitive framework for expanding pipelines nationwide, facilitating faster growth of the PNG network while circumventing land access delays.

A remarkable achievement was recorded with 9,046 new PNG connections established in just one day across more than 110 geographical regions. Companies like IGL and GAIL are introducing new incentives, and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved 24/7 pipeline installation, eliminating road restoration fees.

Additionally, the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) has been instructed to process CGD applications within 10 days. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has prioritized connections for residential schools, hostels, and community kitchens, ensuring completion within five days.

The total commercial LPG allocation to States and Union Territories has risen to 50%. This extra supply is prioritized for crucial sectors, including restaurants, dhabas, hotels, and 5kg FTL cylinders for migrant workers.

The Centre has also provided an additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States and Union Territories, specifically tied to their efforts in transitioning consumers from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).

Significantly, under the Essential Commodities Act, authorities executed over 2,700 raids in a single day, seizing 2,000 cylinders. To date, more than 650 FIRs have been filed, and 155 individuals have been arrested for illegal activities.

To alleviate LPG demand, an extra 48,000 KL of kerosene has been allocated to the States. Furthermore, the Union Ministry of Coal has mandated increased distributions to small and medium consumers to offer alternative energy sources.

In related news, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) Scheme beyond March 31, 2026, for an additional five years, with a budget of Rs 1,800 crore.

Moreover, plans are underway to develop a hundred new airports in a challenge mode at an average cost of Rs 100 crore per airport, along with 200 modern helipads being developed under the Modified UDAN scheme.