Around 47 lakh domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders were distributed in India on Saturday, ensuring a steady gas supply despite the West Asia conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The Petroleum Ministry reported a 99% increase in online LPG cylinder bookings, with 47 lakh cylinders delivered against 47.4 lakh bookings. No shortages were reported at LPG distributorships.
Efforts are underway by the government to maintain energy supply, maritime operations, and support for Indian nationals amidst the evolving West Asia situation. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas highlighted ongoing enforcement actions nationwide to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Over 1,900 raids have been conducted across the country to address these issues.
Since March this year, approximately 6.04 lakh PNG connections have been gasified, with infrastructure developed for an additional 2.68 lakh connections, totaling 8.72 lakh connections. Public sector oil marketing companies have organized more than 10,100 awareness camps since April 3rd, selling around 1.75 lakh 5kg FTL cylinders. Additionally, more than 3,700 5 kg FTLs were sold through over 130 camps as of the latest update.
The India-bound tanker carrying 46,313 tonnes of LPG, the MT Sarv Shakti, safely navigated the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. It is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on May 13 with the Indian cooking gas cargo. The Marshall Islands-flagged ship has 20 crew members, including 18 Indians, according to a statement from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
