Govt ensured 100% supply of LPG, PNG & CNG; urges people to avoid panic buying

The Centre on Tuesday said it has ensured 100 per cent supply for domestic LPG consumers, Piped Natural Gas (PNG) users and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transport services despite the ongoing Middle East crisis, while urging people not to indulge in panic buying.Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said steps were being taken to minimise the impact of disruptions in crude oil and gas imports, according to ANI.“As you know, due to the West Asia crisis, our country has also been affected by the import of crude oil, LPG and PNG. But the Indian government has been trying to reduce the problems faced by our domestic consumers. As you know, 100% supply has been ensured for domestic LPG consumers, PNG consumers and CNG transport,” Sharma said.She said commercial LPG restoration has reached 70 per cent, with priority supply being given to hospitals and educational institutions, followed by pharma, steel, seed and agriculture sectors.“Apart from this, commercial LPG has also been restored up to 70%. Supply of commercial LPG is being given priority to hospitals and educational institutions. Apart from this, pharma, steel, seed, agriculture, etc. sectors are also being given priority. And for migrant labour, supply of 5 kg FTL cylinders has been almost doubled. Because of all this, our LPG supply is normal and there is no dry out report on any distributor,” she added.April sales data showed demand rising, with around 175,000 tonnes of commercial LPG sold during the month. Daily averages for public sector undertakings rose to 353 tonnes in April from 177 tonnes in January and February.Sharma said 22 states were receiving an additional 10 per cent commercial LPG allocation to support PNG connections.“In the case of natural gas, as you know, the domestic is being protected. In the case of fertilizers, the supply of PNG is being allocated up to 95%. In the case of industrial and commercial sectors, including the CGD network, the supply of gas has been increased up to 80%. CGD entities have also been asked to provide 100% gas supply to schools, colleges, cold storage, food processing industry, pharma, etc,” she said.The ministry said it was also tackling reports of localised panic buying through coordination with states and continuous monitoring of retail outlets.Authorities have recently carried out around 2,800 raids and inspections. Since March, about 67,000 cylinders have been seized, 1,160 FIRs registered and 271 people arrested for supply disruptions or illegal activities.“Finally, I would like to request all of you not to believe in rumours. We have sufficient supply of LPG, petrol and diesel. Price is stable and no increase has been made in the price. So, avoid panic buying and use LPG, petrol and diesel as per your needs,” Sharma said.