New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) The supply of LPG to households across the nation is currently stable, with online bookings soaring to 98%. There have been no reports of supply interruptions at distribution centers, despite challenges posed by the ongoing geopolitical climate, according to a statement from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The government has confirmed that there is 100% availability of domestic LPG, PNG for residential use, and CNG for vehicles. The ministry highlighted that the deliveries based on the Authentication Code (DAC) sent to registered consumer mobile numbers have risen to approximately 92%, effectively preventing any diversion at the distributor level.

In terms of new connections, about 4.58 lakh PNG connections have been successfully activated, with an additional 5.1 lakh customers registering for new connections since March.

As of April 15, around 35,000 PNG users have opted to surrender their LPG connections via the MYPNGD.in platform. States have been urged to facilitate new PNG connections for both residential and commercial consumers.

For commercial LPG, priority has been assigned to hospitals and educational institutions, along with sectors such as pharmaceuticals, steel, automotive, agriculture, and seeds. Additionally, the distribution of 5 kg LPG cylinders to migrant laborers has been increased based on the average daily supply observed on March 2 and 3.

The government advises citizens to refrain from panic buying petrol, diesel, and LPG, assuring that all efforts are made to maintain steady availability. It cautions against relying on rumors and recommends consulting official sources for accurate information.

Consumers are encouraged to utilize digital booking platforms and to limit in-person visits to distributors. Since March 23, approximately 15.5 lakh of the 5 kg LPG cylinders have been sold. On Wednesday alone, 7930 MT of commercial LPG (which is equivalent to more than 4.17 lakh of 19 kg cylinders) was sold, as noted by the ministry.

Average sales of auto LPG by public sector oil companies throughout April have reached around 286 MT per day, a significant increase from the 177 MT per day average in February. This shift has seen a notable transition of auto LPG sales from private to public sector companies, with an increase of 62% to accommodate rising demand, particularly in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

Since March 14, a total of 1,42,156 metric tonnes (equivalent to over 74.8 lakh of 19 kg LPG cylinders) of commercial LPG has been sold, including more than 8,400 MT of auto LPG.

In the meantime, enforcement measures are ongoing nationwide to combat hoarding and black market activities involving LPG, with over 2,500 raids conducted just on Wednesday.

Public sector oil marketing companies have intensified surprise inspections, leading to penalties imposed on 238 LPG distributorships and the suspension of 63.

Citizens are urged to consider alternative fuels such as PNG and to utilize electric or induction cooking appliances. Everyone is encouraged to conserve energy in their daily routines during this period.

The government has implemented various measures to rationalize both supply and demand, including enhancing refinery output, extending the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban regions and up to 45 days in rural areas, and prioritizing supply to essential sectors.

Moreover, alternative fuels like kerosene and coal have been made available to alleviate the pressure on LPG demand. The Ministry of Coal has instructed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to deliver additional coal to states for distribution to small and medium consumers.