New Delhi: More than 50.5 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered to households on Thursday as the supply of cooking gas in the country remains normal despite the disruptions due to the Middle East conflict, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Friday.
As many as 4.68 lakh PNG connections have also been gasified, and 5.23 lakh customers registered for new connections since March, as consumers are being encouraged to use alternative fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops. States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections for domestic and commercial consumers.
Online LPG bookings have increased to about 98 per cent across the industry, and delivery based on an authentication code (DAC) received on the registered mobile number of the consumer has increased to around 93 per cent to prevent diversion.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, in the context of the ongoing situation involving the Strait of Hormuz, the statement said.
Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG and to beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information. LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.
All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained. Local LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption, the statement said.
Public sector oil companies have stepped up inspections and penalties imposed on 255 LPG distributors, while 65 LPG distributorships have been suspended till Thursday.
Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the government has ensured that 100 per cent supply is being made to domestic LPG, domestic PNG and CNG for fuelling vehicles, the statement said.
For commercial LPG, priority has been given to hospitals and educational institutions. Besides this, priority has also been given to pharma, steel, automobile, seed, agriculture, etc. In addition to this, the supply of 5 kg LPG to migrant labour is also doubled based on the average daily supply on March 2 and 3.
The government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.
Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand.
The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to supply additional coal to States for distribution to small and medium consumers, the statement added.
(IANS)
