No shortage of cooking gas or fuel: Govt

New Delhi: With rumours circulating about a possible disruption in LPG supply in the capital because of the volatile situation in West Asia, Delhi govt on Wednesday warned people against panic buying and hoarding of cylinders. "Supplies of domestic LPG, PNG and CNG remain stable and adequate," it said.

Govt directed police and revenue department to keep a strict vigil against black marketing or illegal stockpiling, while appealing to people not to pay attention to rumours regarding LPG shortage and to avoid unnecessary panic buying or stockpiling.





The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting with officials.

While the LPG booking cycle has been extended from 21 to 25 days as a precautionary measure, cylinders are still being delivered within an average of two to three days of being booked, the officials said.

The meeting, which was chaired by chief secretary Rajeev Verma, was attended by senior officials from food supplies and consumer affairs department, Delhi Police, revenue department, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) and various oil marketing companies.

"IGL officials informed that the Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas issued directions on March 9 to ensure adequate and equitable supply and availability of domestic PNG and CNG for priority sectors. They clarified that there is no shortage of domestic PNG supply in Delhi. While priorities have been reassessed, nearly 80% supply to industrial sectors is continuing regularly," an official said.

Officials of oil marketing companies have said that the supply of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG cylinders in Delhi is normal, and that the companies have sufficient stock available. Also, the supply of oil and gas is continuing uninterrupted as before.

The oil companies have issued certain guidelines regarding the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, with priority being given to educational institutions and hospitals.