India's LPG Production Rises by 30%, Ensuring Fuel Sufficiency Amid Global Tensions
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New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) - The government reported on Friday that the domestic production of cooking gas has surged by 30%, ensuring that India possesses sufficient fuel supplies to cater to demand amidst the ongoing conflicts in West Asia.
During an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, disclosed that the nation’s refineries are presently producing 30% more LPG than on March 5.
“The government is persistently working to guarantee that both households and essential institutions receive uninterrupted cooking gas supplies,” she stated.
“Priority is being given to LPG supplies for households, hospitals, and educational establishments,” added Sharma.
She also mentioned that commercial cylinders are being provided to state governments for distribution based on priority.
The government reassured the public that the nation maintains adequate refining capacity and fuel reserves.
Currently, India boasts a crude oil refining capacity of 258 million metric tonnes, with domestic refineries operating at full capacity.
“This capability has rendered the country self-sufficient in producing petrol and diesel, thereby diminishing the necessity for fuel imports,” stated Sharma.
She emphasized that there is no petrol or diesel shortage nationwide, with approximately 100,000 fuel retail outlets reporting normal operations.
“Petrol pumps are operating smoothly and have ample fuel supplies,” she noted.
Refineries are also maintaining sufficient crude oil inventories, with regular replenishments to ensure seamless operations, she added.
The government further confirmed that the supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) continues to be stable.
Sharma highlighted that the supply of PNG to homes and CNG for vehicles is proceeding without interruptions.
Currently, around 15 million households in India are linked to PNG networks, and an additional 6 million homes near existing gas pipelines can easily acquire PNG connections.
Sharma encouraged these consumers to transition to PNG, stating it would alleviate some of the pressure on LPG demand.