Amidst the rumors and increasing demand for LPG cylinders across the country, the Central Government has clarified that at present there is no situation of running out of gas at any gas agency or dealer. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, while appealing to the people to avoid panic booking, said that the fuel supply in the country is completely normal and the government is constantly monitoring the situation.
how much is the storage
In the press conference held in Delhi, Sujata Sharma told that in case of crude oil, India has a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons and the country is self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel. He said, ‘All our refineries are working at 100 percent or more capacity. Adequate stock of crude oil is available and there is no interruption in supply.
He also clarified that no ‘dry out’ situation has been reported at about one lakh petrol pumps across the country and sufficient quantity of fuel is available everywhere. Supply of piped natural gas (PNG) for domestic consumers and CNG for vehicles also continues without any cut.
Concern over LPG
However, one reason for concern in the case of LPG is that about 90 percent of India’s imports are via the Strait of Hormuz. In view of the current international circumstances, there is a possibility that this route will be affected, but Sujata Sharma said that despite this there is no immediate crisis on gas supply in the country.
He said, ‘None of the 25 thousand LPG distributors in the country has reported running out of gas. Therefore, people should not believe in rumors and should avoid unnecessary bookings.
There has been a surge in bookings amid rumors
According to Oil Ministry data, there has been a sudden jump in LPG booking in recent times. Whereas under normal circumstances there used to be an average of 55.7 lakh bookings, now this number has increased to 75.7 lakh. Officials believe this increase is a sign of panic booking, which could put additional pressure on the supply system.
Preparation of alternative fuel
The government has also given instructions to activate alternative fuel options. An additional 48 thousand kiloliters of kerosene has been allocated to the states, so that its distribution can be ensured when needed. Also, Coal India has been instructed to ensure availability of coal for small and medium consumers.
Government gave emphasis on PNG
The government has issued a special appeal for commercial consumers. Sujata Sharma said that hotels and other commercial establishments in big cities, which are dependent on LPG, should consider getting a PNG connection by contacting the local city gas distribution network. This will reduce the pressure on domestic LPG. At present, about 1.5 crore domestic consumers in the country are connected to PNG, while about 60 lakh houses have the facility of PNG network. The government believes that if these houses are connected to PNG, the demand for LPG can be balanced.
Strict instructions on hoarding and black marketing, appeal to people
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Ministry and the Department of Consumer Affairs have reviewed the fuel supply by meeting with officials of states and union territories. States have been instructed to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing, while many states are also holding daily press briefings to provide correct information to the public.
The government has once again appealed to the citizens to ignore rumors and book gas only as per requirement. The ministry says that the situation is completely under control and there is no need to panic regarding fuel supply in the country.
