'No need to queue outside LPG distributors': Govt says avoid panic buying

NEW DELHI: The government on Friday held a joint inter-ministerial briefing for the third consecutive day to address panic over LPG supplies amid the raging war in West Asia and Iran's choking of the Strait of Hormuz, which has tightened global energy supplies.The government said there was no need to queue outside LPG distributors and urged consumers to book cylinders online, citing data showing that online bookings rose to 83 per cent in March from 71 per cent in February. Addressing the concerns over the supply squeeze of the LPG cylinders, both commercial and domestic, the central government assured the "uninterrupted supply to households," claiming that domestic LPG output was up 30 per cent compared to March 5.The ministry, responsible for looking petroleum and natural gases, said LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. "Uninterrupted supply to domestic households has been ensured. Similarly, LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. Domestic production of LPG has increased by 30 per cent as of today; compared to March 5, our refineries are currently producing 30 per cent more LPG," said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in ministry for petroleum and natural gases, during a press brief.Calling LPG as an "issue of concern" after closure of Strait of Hormuz, the joint secretary however said "a dry-out has not been reported by any of the 25,000 distributors". "LPG is an issue of concern for us, especially as the majority of our imports come through the Strait of Hormuz. Closure of the strait is a matter of concern. However, a dry-out has not been reported by any of the 25,000 distributors. I would urge the people of the country not to trust rumours and not to indulge in panic buying," Sujata Sharma said.She also said that the government was taking action against people indulging in black marketing and hoarding of the LPG.Asserting that there was no shortage of LPG, she appealed that those "who can shift from LPG to PNG should do so immediately". "As I just mentioned to you, there are six million families who can shift to PNG right away...The most critical point is whether or not we are able to supply LPG to domestic consumers, and the answer is yes," she said.On the commerical cylinders, the shortage of which has primarily hit food businesses, the central government said supply of it have been placed "at the disposal of the State Governments to facilitate priority distribution". "Regarding commercial cylinders, these have been placed at the disposal of the State Governments to facilitate priority distribution. We are requesting the State Governments to determine the priority criteria and ensure that these commercial cylinders effectively reach the intended consumers," she added.The joint secretary also addressed concerns over the crude oil, saying all the country's refineries "are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher". "As far as crude oil is concerned, we possess a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel; consequently, there is no need to import these fuels into India. All our refineries are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher. The refineries hold adequate inventories of crude oil, and furthermore, supplies are being consistently maintained," she said.The government said that supply of PNG (Piped Natural Gas) to domestic consumers and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is being ensured without any interruptions or cuts. "Given this situation, there is absolutely no need for panic...Furthermore, regarding commercial consumers in our major urban cities and centers, many of whom are currently facing difficulties due to their reliance on LPG supplies, the government of India is making every effort to address their concerns. We appeal to all such commercial consumers to contact their local CGD (City Gas Distribution) network provider or their designated dealer to obtain a PNG connection," Sharma said."Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps... Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us. Nevertheless, despite this situation, no dry out has been reported at any of our 25,000 distributors. I would like to appeal to all fellow citizens not to give credence to rumors and to refrain from engaging in panic buying," she further added.