LPG refill rule changed: Minimum waiting period raised to 25 days to curb hoarding amid Middle East crisis

The government has increased the minimum waiting period for booking a domestic LPG cylinder refill to 25 days from 21 days, a move aimed at preventing hoarding and ensuring equitable distribution of cooking gas, government sources told new agency PTI.According to the sources, prices of petrol and diesel are expected to remain stable unless global crude oil prices breach the USD 130 per barrel mark, while current projections suggest crude could remain around USD 100 per barrel. “There is no shortage of petrol and diesel at any pump in the country, and the supply situation remains comfortable,” sources said, adding that India has accelerated crude sourcing from routes outside the Strait of Hormuz to mitigate any disruption risks.Officials also said the country has adequate stock of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and there is no reason for concern about aviation fuel availability.“India is also a producer and exporter of ATF, so there is no need to panic about aviation fuel supplies,” sources added.They further noted that India is currently better placed than many other countries in managing the evolving energy situation, with several nations reaching out to New Delhi to understand its stock position and supply preparedness.