The Union government on Friday acknowledged that the supply of liquefied petroleum gas in the country was a “matter of concern”, but added that no distributor had run out of stocks.
“LPG is a matter of concern for us as most of our imports travel through the Strait of Hormuz,” Sujata Sharma, joint secretary (marketing and oil refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said at a press conference. “But despite this, no dry out has been reported at any of our 25,000 distributors.”
The official urged citizens not to believe in rumours and to refrain from panic buying. However, she urged consumers who can shift from LPG to piped natural gas to do so immediately.
Sharma said that there are currently 60 lakh households who can make the shift.
Since the conflict in West Asia began on February 28, Iran has effectively blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz for most international commercial vessels. About 20% of global petroleum supply passes through the maritime chokepoint.
This has affected LPG supplies in India. The country imports about 60% of its LPG demand, most of it from Gulf countries.
The disruption has led to several eateries being temporarily shut, and long queues outside LPG godowns and agencies.
On Friday, even as Sharma acknowledged concern on LPG availability, she maintained that the government has ensured uninterrupted supply to domestic households. “Similarly, LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions,” the official added.
The joint secretary said that as compared to March 5, the domestic production of LPG has increased by 30%. She said that commercial cylinders have been “put at the disposal of state governments for priority distribution”.
On Monday, the Union government invoked the Essential Commodities Act, directing refineries to regulate the production, supply and distribution of natural gas. The petroleum and natural gas ministry said that the supply of natural gas to several sectors will be treated as a priority allocation.
The sectors include piped natural gas for domestic use, compressed natural gas for transport, liquefied petroleum gas production and pipeline compressor fuel.
Also read:
- From weddings to funerals, Iran war has hit life in India
- West Asia conflict: As Centre prioritises LPG supply for households, businesses face disruptions
The joint secretary on Friday claimed that petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all fuel stations.
Sharma further said that states have been asked to identify specific locations within their districts for the distribution of an additional allocation of 48,000 kilolitres that the Union government has sanctioned, over and above the regular quota.
Public sector undertaking Coal India has issued orders to ensure that coal is made available to small, medium and other consumers, so that alternative fuel options are made available, the official told reporters.
You’ve read Scroll.
Now help sustain it
Scroll is funded by readers, not corporate owners. If you believe our work matters, support our newsroom. Become a member today!
We’re not driven by clicks or corporate interests – just honest, independent reporting. Keep us going. Support Scroll today!