In the wake of the Iran crisis, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced a major scheme for citizens to tackle the potential shortage of gas cylinders. The government has decided to make Piped Natural Gas (PNG) the primary option for domestic and commercial use and has approved a major incentive scheme for the same. As part of this initiative, City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies have announced a 'Welcome Offer' for customers to switch from LPG to PNG, which will not put any additional financial burden on the people.

Under this scheme, major companies like Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) and GAIL Gas Limited are providing free gas worth Rs 500 directly to domestic customers. Meanwhile, to provide relief to the commercial sector, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has announced a complete waiver of security deposits. While the government has acknowledged the situation as worrying, it has clarified that everything is currently under control.

The Shivalik and Nanda Devi ships will arrive in India today.
Shipping Ministry Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said that the Indian ships Shivalik and Nanda Devi departed on their voyage on the 13th. They safely transited the Strait of Hormuz on the 14th and are expected to arrive in India today. It is hoped that the arrival of these ships will further strengthen gas supplies.

Raids were conducted at 1,100 locations to combat the black market for cylinders. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, clarified that the liquefied petroleum gas (LPE) situation in the country is completely under control, and there are no reports
of stock drying up anywhere. Furthermore, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and PNG consumers are receiving 100% gas supply. There are no reports of fuel shortages at petrol pumps. LPG use has resumed in the commercial sector.

The government has urged people not to panic and not to book or hoard large quantities of gas. With the help of state governments, surprise inspections have been conducted at more than 1,100 locations across the country to prevent black marketing.

Appeal to PNG users to give up cylinders
The main focus of the government now is to convert people to Piped Natural Gas (PNG). As per the order issued on 14th, those who have both LPG and PNG connections have been appealed to surrender their LPG connections so that they can reach the people who need the cylinders. The officials clarified that home delivery of cylinders will continue, so there is no need to rush to the distributor.

PC:The Pioneer