Government Ensures Steady LPG Supply Amid Geopolitical Tensions, 4.05 Lakh PNG Connections Gasified
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) Deliveries of domestic LPG cylinders are proceeding smoothly, with no instances of dry-outs reported at LPG dealerships, despite the ongoing geopolitical challenges affecting LPG supply.
A total of 4.05 lakh PNG connections have been established, and around 4.41 lakh additional customers have signed up for new connections.
Consumers are encouraged to consider alternative fuels such as PNG and electric cooktops. Citizens are also urged to conserve energy during these trying times.
It is recommended that individuals refrain from panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG, relying instead on official channels for updates. LPG users are encouraged to utilize digital booking platforms to minimize visits to distributors.
Online bookings for LPG have surged to approximately 98 percent, with deliveries verified through the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system reaching about 92 percent to prevent diversion at distribution points.
Despite the challenging geopolitical landscape, the Government is prioritizing the supply of domestic LPG and PNG, particularly to hospitals and educational facilities.
Enforcement measures are ongoing nationwide to combat hoarding and black market activities related to LPG. On Thursday alone, over 3800 raids were executed, resulting in the confiscation of around 450 cylinders across the nation.
To date, approximately 1.2 lakh raids have been carried out, leading to the seizure of over 57,000 cylinders, the filing of more than 950 FIRs, and the arrest of 229 individuals.
Public sector oil marketing firms have intensified surprise inspections, issuing over 2100 show-cause notices, imposing penalties on 204 LPG distributors, and suspending 53 distributors.
More than 18,000 PNG consumers have voluntarily given up their LPG connections through the MYPNGD.in website.
States have been instructed to facilitate the establishment of new PNG connections for both residential and commercial users.
All refineries are functioning at full capacity, with sufficient crude inventories maintained. The country is also ensuring there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel. Domestic LPG production from refineries has been ramped up to meet local consumption needs, according to official statements.
The Government is committed to ensuring the availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG, advising citizens against panic buying and unnecessary bookings for LPG. The public is encouraged to use digital methods for LPG cylinder orders and to limit visits to distributors unless absolutely necessary.
Additionally, the Government has announced that the limit for commercial LPG usage will increase to 70 percent of the bulk consumption level prior to March 2026 for industrial sectors including pharma, food, polymer, agriculture, packaging, paint, uranium, heavy water, steel, seed, metal, ceramic, foundry, forging, glass, and aerosol industries.