Commercial LPG cylinder distribution has begun in 29 states and Union Territories as authorities intensify raids and surprise inspections across the country to curb hoarding and black-marketing amid pressure on cooking gas supplies.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said panic booking of LPG refills has surged despite adequate domestic stocks to meet household demand.
“Yesterday, the number of bookings was about 75 lakh and it has now increased to around 88 lakh. This is nothing but panic booking,” she said, urging consumers to place orders only when required.
Sharma said India has adequate crude oil inventories and domestic refineries are operating at full capacity, ensuring sufficient availability of petrol and diesel across the country.
“There are no dry-out reports from any retail outlets. Our refineries are operating at full capacity and sufficient petrol and petrolare available,” she said.
India imports around 88 per cent of its crude oil requirements, 50 per cent of natural gas and about 60 per cent of its LPG demand. The ongoing conflict in West Asia and the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have affected energy supplies from Gulf countries, increasing pressure on LPG availability for commercial users such as hotels and restaurants.
Sharma said domestic LPG supply was being prioritised to ensure household consumers do not face inconvenience.
Also read: 2 Indian LPG carriers Shivalik, Nanda Devi cross Strait of Hormuz
To ease supply pressure, the government has increased domestic LPG production by 31 per cent, she said. In addition, GAIL (India) Limited has asked city gas distribution operators to expand piped natural gas connections for commercial establishments that can switch from LPG.
Authorities have also intensified enforcement to check illegal hoarding and black-marketing. Joint inspection teams in several states have conducted raids and surprise checks in coordination with oil marketing companies.
In Uttar Pradesh, authorities carried out inspections at around 1,400 locations, registering 20 FIRs and initiating prosecution against 19 people.
Raids have also been conducted in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and Karnataka.
Oil marketing companies have also stepped up monitoring, conducting around 1,300 surprise inspections at LPG distributorships and retail outlets in a single day.
The government has urged consumers to use digital platforms such as SMS, WhatsApp and mobile applications of oil companies for refill bookings rather than visiting LPG distributors in person.
Officials reiterated that LPG stocks remain available and urged consumers not to resort to panic buying.
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