Amid tensions in West Asia, the government has appealed to shopkeepers, hotels and residential units to take PNG connections to ease the pressure on LPG cylinders. ...read more

Amid uncertainty over LPG availability due to the ongoing tension in West Asia, the government has appealed to shopkeepers, hotels and restaurants to immediately avail Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections if available nearby.

There is no shortage of LPG in the country

The government believes this will reduce pressure on LPG cylinders and ensure regular supplies to domestic consumers. Residential units have also been advised to immediately install a PNG connection if available.

The government has assured the public that there is no LPG shortage in the country, but the panicked bookings are creating problems. In just a few days, the number of daily bookings has increased by nearly 20 percent, which is unnecessary.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said at the daily briefing on the situation in West Asia that there are currently about 15 million PNG connections in the country. A further 6 million are in residential units. Homes with a PNG network nearby should also switch to PNG instead of LPG.

Increase in demand for LPG

City gas distribution agencies have been asked to expedite the issuance of PNG connections. Highway authorities or state government agencies have been directed to provide prompt approvals to facilitate the issuance of PNG connections to commercial units.

The government says there has been a sudden increase in LPG demand in recent days. While bookings average around 5.57 million cylinders daily on normal days, they jumped to nearly 7.6 million on Thursday. Despite this, public sector oil marketing companies are supplying around 5 million LPG cylinders daily.

He also stated that the country's oil refineries have increased LPG production by 30 percent since tensions began in West Asia. According to government officials, the government is also actively working to prevent black marketers or hoarders from operating in the market due to the chaos surrounding LPG bookings.

State and district administrations have been directed to take strict action. Following reports of such activities in several locations, local action has been initiated. Consultations are being held with the District Superintendent and Superintendent of Police of each district, and appropriate action is being taken.

Action will be taken to stop black marketing

To review the situation, the Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and the Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs held a video conference with the Secretaries of Food and Civil Supplies Department of all States and Union Territories to discuss the supply situation.

State governments and district administrations have been asked to intensify surveillance and action to prevent hoarding and black marketing of petroleum products, especially LPG. In response, the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have also reviewed the situation and issued necessary directives to district administrations and police officials.

 PC:Jagran