New Delhi, Apr 20: Amid ongoing supply disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis, the government of India (GOI) on Monday assured that domestic LPG availability remains normal, with no dryouts reported across the country.
Addressing a press conference, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma as per Kashmir Convener said multiple steps have been taken to manage the situation effectively. “Due to the West Asia crisis, LPG supply was affected, but the government has increased domestic LPG production, extended booking periods in urban and rural areas, and implemented Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) to prevent diversion,” she said.
Sharma stated that the government had aimed to take DAC coverage to 90%, but has already achieved 92%. “Domestic LPG supply is running normally. No dry out has been reported,” she reiterated.
However, commercial LPG supplies remain impacted, though 70% has been restored. “In the last five days, about 7,000 tonnes per day of commercial LPG is being sold. Auto LPG sales have also risen to 350 tonnes per day in the last week, compared to 177 tonnes per day in February,” she added.
The government of India has also intensified awareness campaigns. “From April 3, about 7,000 awareness camps have been organized, selling around 1,05,000 kg cylinders. Yesterday alone, 3,375 kg cylinders were sold in about 220 camps. Since March 23, total sales stand at 18,45,000 kg cylinders,” Sharma said.
On natural gas, she said 100% supply is being ensured by prioritising domestic and CNG transport. States supporting PNG network expansion are being allocated 10% additional commercial LPG. “Currently, 22 states and Union Territories are receiving this additional allocation. Since March, about 4,93,000 new PNG connections have been gasified, and 5,51,000 new consumers registered,” she added.
The government has also appealed to consumers having both PNG and LPG connections to surrender their LPG cylinders. “More than 39,000 PNG consumers have already surrendered their LPG connections,” Sharma informed.
Petrol and diesel supplies remain normal at retail pumps with no dryouts, as refineries operate at optimum capacity. Some C3-C4 molecules have been allocated to petrochemical and pharma companies. “Since April 9, more than 4,050 tonnes of propylene has been sold,” she said.
Enforcement action is also ongoing. “About 1,900 raids were conducted yesterday. So far, 267 LPG distributors have been penalized and 67 suspended during surprise inspections by PSU oil marketing companies,” Sharma added.
The Joint Secretary urged citizens not to panic. “We have sufficient supply. Do not believe in rumours, and spend your money as per your needs,” she said.
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