The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed that the distribution of domestic LPG in India is operating smoothly, with over 52.3 lakh cylinders delivered without any shortages reported. Online LPG bookings have surged to nearly 98%, and deliveries using the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) have risen to about 93% to prevent diversion at the distributor level. Additionally, more than 4.24 lakh PNG connections have been gasified, with an additional 4.66 lakh customers registering for new connections.
Consumers are being encouraged to utilize alternative fuels like PNG and electric cooktops to conserve energy during the current situation. Notably, over 30,000 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via the MYPNGD.in website. Citizens are advised against panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG, emphasizing reliance on official sources for information. It is recommended that LPG consumers opt for digital booking platforms and refrain from visiting distributors unnecessarily.
Despite prevailing geopolitical challenges, the government has prioritized domestic LPG and PNG supply, especially for critical establishments like hospitals and educational institutions. The sale of 5 kg LPG cylinders has seen a significant uptick, with over 1 lakh cylinders sold nationwide, surpassing the daily average in February. Moreover, commercial LPG sales have also been robust, with over 7,665 MT sold on a recent day, totaling 63.6 lakh cylinders since March 14.
A committee comprising Executive Directors from IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL is actively coordinating with State authorities and industry bodies to streamline commercial LPG distribution. Public sector oil companies have intensified enforcement actions to combat hoarding and black marketing of LPG, conducting over 2,700 raids nationwide and penalizing 219 distributorships while suspending 56. Refineries are operating at full capacity with ample crude inventories to meet demand.
Efforts are underway to ensure the availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG, with citizens urged to avoid panic buying and unnecessary bookings. The government has extended the commercial LPG limit increase to industrial units in various sectors, including pharma, food, polymer, agriculture, and more. It is emphasized that digital modes should be used for LPG cylinder bookings to minimize physical visits to distributors.
