‘No need to queue outside LPG dealers’: Avoid panic buying, says govt

NEW DELHI: The government on Friday held a joint inter-ministerial briefing for the third consecutive day to address fears over LPG supplies at a time when global energy supplies are strained by raging war in West Asia and Iran’s blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.There is no need to queue outside LPG dealers, the government said, urging consumers to book cylinders online, citing data showing online bookings rose to 83% in March from 71% in February.Responding to concerns over tight supply of LPG cylinders both commercially and domestically, the central government assured “uninterrupted supply to households” and claimed that domestic LPG production increased by 30% from March 5.The ministry responsible for finding oil and gas said LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, told a press conference: “Uninterrupted supply to domestic households has been ensured. Likewise, LPG supply is also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. Domestic LPG production has increased by 30 per cent so far; our refineries are currently producing 30 per cent more LPG as compared to March 5.”The joint secretary called LPG a “matter of concern” following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but said “not a single one of the 25,000 distributors has reported drying up of LPG”. “LPG is a matter of concern for us, especially since most of our imports are through the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the strait is a matter of concern. However, not a single one of the 25,000 distributors has reported drying up of LPG. I urge the people of the country not to believe rumours, and not to indulge in panic buying,” Sujata Sharma said.She also said the government was taking action against those indulging in the black market and hoarding LPG.As for commercial cylinders, the shortage of which has mainly affected food businesses, the central government said its supply has been “placed at the disposal of state governments to facilitate priority distribution”. “Regarding commercial gas cylinders, these cylinders have been placed at the disposal of the state government to facilitate priority distribution. We request the state government to identify priority criteria and ensure that these commercial cylinders reach the target consumers efficiently. ” she added.The joint secretary also addressed concerns about crude oil, saying all refineries in the country are “currently operating at 100% capacity or above.” “In terms of crude oil, we have a refining capacity of 258 million tonnes. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel; therefore, there is no need to import these fuels into India. All of our refineries are currently operating at 100% or higher capacity. Refiners have ample crude oil inventories and supplies are sustained,” she said.The government said it ensures that there will be no disruption or curtailment in the supply of PNG (pipeline natural gas) and CNG (compressed natural gas) to domestic consumers. “Given the situation, there is absolutely no need to panic… Furthermore, for commercial consumers in our major cities and centres, many of whom are currently facing hardship due to dependence on LPG supply, 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 designated dealer to get PNG connectivity,” Sharma said.“There is adequate supply of petrol and diesel at all petrol pumps… As for LPG, I would say it remains a matter of concern for us. Nonetheless, none of our 25,000 dealers have reported drying up. I would like to appeal to all our fellow citizens not to fall for rumours, and not to engage in panic buying,” she further added.