The government revealed that it has carried out 12,000 raids and confiscated over 15,000 LPG cylinders to prevent hoarding following rumors of shortages and panic bookings. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry’s Joint Secretary, Sujata Sharma, assured that there is no supply scarcity nationwide, emphasizing that LPG availability remains sufficient despite heightened demand.
Sharma highlighted that on Monday, approximately 70,000 bookings were recorded due to panic purchases, urging consumers to refrain from unnecessary bookings and explore alternative options where possible. She also mentioned that almost 94% of domestic LPG bookings are now done online, encouraging consumers to utilize digital platforms and avoid panic-induced demands.
Furthermore, Sharma pointed out that Delivery Authenticity Code (DAC) compliance has risen to 76%. She mentioned that various states, including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Manipur, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand, have initiated measures to allocate non-domestic LPG for essential services.
Meanwhile, Special Secretary of Shipping, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, confirmed the safety of all 22 vessels and Indian crew members in the Gulf region. Sinha reported that 161 Indian nationals have been repatriated in the past 24 hours. Regarding incoming supplies, Sinha informed that the LPG carrier Nanda Devi docked at Kandla port early Tuesday morning, with cargo being transferred from larger vessels to smaller ships for further distribution. This development follows the arrival of another LPG carrier, Shivalik, at Mundra port on Monday.
The recent shipments’ arrival coincides with global energy market disruptions due to the ongoing Iran conflict, heightening concerns about LPG availability. Additionally, the government disclosed that India has initiated sourcing LPG from various global channels, including the United States, to diversify supplies amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
