More than 52 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered on Wednesday, with online bookings reaching 98%. Authentication code-based deliveries on registered mobile numbers have also risen to around 94% to prevent diversion. Additionally, over 86,000 small 5 Kg LPG cylinders, commonly used by migrant workers, were sold nationwide on the same day, totaling 17 lakh since April 1.
The supply of cooking gas to households remains a priority despite geopolitical challenges affecting overall LPG distribution. On Wednesday, more than 8,483 metric tonnes of commercial LPG were sold, equivalent to over 4.46 lakh 19 kg cylinders, bringing the total for the month to 1,40,362 MT. Moreover, about 5.18 lakh PNG connections have been gasified since March, with infrastructure in place for an additional 2.58 lakh connections, totaling 7.76 lakh connections.
Enforcement actions against hoarding and black marketing of LPG continue, with over 2600 raids conducted nationwide on Wednesday, resulting in the seizure of 285 cylinders. To date, more than 1.5 lakh raids have been carried out, leading to the seizure of over 66,000 cylinders. Additionally, more than 1100 FIRs have been filed, and 255 individuals have been arrested.
Public sector oil companies have intensified surprise inspections, penalizing 298 LPG distributorships, and suspending 70 distributorships. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas assures steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country amidst the ongoing situation involving the Strait of Hormuz.
Citizens are urged to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG, rely on official sources for information, and utilize digital booking platforms for LPG. Refineries are operating at high capacity with ample crude inventories, and local LPG production has been increased to meet domestic demand.
