The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has recently extended the mandatory waiting period for LPG cylinder bookings.The move aims to stabilise LPG distribution and curb panic booking among consumers amid concerns over fluctuating international energy supplies.
Under the revised guidelines, the minimum interval for booking a refill for urban consumers has been increased from 21 days to 25 days.In rural areas, the booking cycle has been extended more significantly, from 25 days to 45 days.
Officials said the decision was taken to prevent panic buying and stockpiling of LPG cylinders, which can disrupt supply and create artificial shortages.The ministry also emphasised that the extension does not indicate a shortage of LPG stocks but is part of an administrative measure to ensure smooth distribution across the country.
Pertinently, after the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder price hike in the country, the government has increased the LPG booking period from 21 days to 25 days to prevent hoarding and ensure a fair supply of cylinders amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. "There were instances that people who were earlier booking LPG cylinders in 55 Days have started booking cylinders in 15 days," a news agency quoted government sources as saying.
The Centre has also ordered refineries to boost LPG output to prioritise domestic LPG over commercial connections. "Domestic consumers will always be a priority," the sources reaffirmed, as India scouts for more LPG partners. Countries like Algeria, Australia, Canada, and Norway have approached to sell LPG to India, they added.
Just two days back, domestic LPG cylinders' price was hiked by Rs 60 more, reaching Rs 913 in the national capital Delhi, while commercial prices saw a Rs 114.5 increase.According to reliable 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.
"We expect crude oil prices to be around USD 100 per barrel," one of the sources told ANI. "No problem of shortage of petrol and diesel at any pump in country." They also said that sourcing crude other than the Strait of Hormuz route has been accelerated.Further, the said sources indicated that India has enough stock of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). "India is a producer and exporter of ATF, no need to panic about ATF," they said. India, the sources said, is better placed than other countries.
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