Enforcement actions are ongoing nationwide to tackle hoarding and black marketing of LPG, with 642 FIRs filed and 155 individuals detained. In the last 24 hours, approximately 3,400 raids have been conducted, leading to the seizure of around 1,000 cylinders. Notable operations have taken place in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana. Oil Marketing Companies under the public sector have carried out over 1,500 surprise inspections at retail outlets and LPG distributorships. The Petroleum Ministry has assured that all retail outlets are functioning normally.
Panic buying in certain regions, fueled by rumors, has caused a surge in sales and crowds at retail outlets. The government has urged the public to disregard rumors and emphasized the availability of sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel nationwide. Essential sectors are receiving prioritized supplies, with domestic PNG and CNG transport receiving 100% supply. Industrial and commercial consumers linked to the grid are receiving supplies at around 80% of their average consumption. City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities have been instructed to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments like hotels, restaurants, and canteens.
Over 7,500 domestic and commercial PNG connections were issued or activated in the top 110 geographical areas on Monday. Additionally, 24 States/UTs have issued orders aligning with government guidelines for the allocation of Non-domestic LPG. For the remaining States/UTs, Commercial LPG cylinders are being released by PSU Oil Marketing companies. Commercial entities in the States/UTs have uplifted approximately 18,784 MT LPG since March 14. Furthermore, States and UTs have received an extra allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene, with instructions to identify district-level distribution points.
