‘Use LPG wisely’: Center says supply ‘a cause for concern’; advises consumers not to panic

New Delhi: India’s energy crisis remains a matter of concern amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the Center said on Tuesday. However, it assured consumers not to panic over LPG supplies.During an inter-ministerial briefing on the recent developments, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, advised judicious consumption of LPG and recommended the use of alternative sources for cooking.“On the issue of LPG, I would like to reiterate that the situation is still worrying. However, no LPG dealer is currently facing a shortage. In addition, LPG supply and cylinder deliveries to all domestic consumers are proceeding as usual. In terms of online bookings, I would like to inform you that the situation has improved significantly and as of today, nearly 94% of cylinder bookings are made online.” The delivery verification code system has also improved and now reaches 76%. As far as commercial LPG supply is concerned, it was initially completely stopped but was later partially restored,” Sharma said.“Cylinders for use by state governments and Union Territories are also being distributed. Several governments including Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand have issued distribution orders for LPG for non-domestic use,” she added.“There is adequate supply of petrol and diesel. Regarding gas, as I told you, the Indian government is working on it and it will be beneficial if all commercial LPG consumers switch to Papua New Guinea,” Sharma said.Sharma also warned against hoarding and black marketing and said adequate measures have been taken to ensure smooth distribution across the country.“Regarding enforcement operations, around twelve thousand raids have been carried out so far in the past few days. Around fifteen thousand cylinders have been seized… Yesterday in Delhi, around six hundred cylinders were seized. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, around four hundred and fifty checks and raids have been carried out in the past few days. Ten people were also arrested. In Jammu and Kashmir, 564 raids have been conducted, FIRs lodged and arrests made. In Kerala, around a thousand raids and inspections have been conducted and domestic and commercial gas cylinders seized. In Madhya Pradesh too, around 1,200 raids were conducted and around 1,800 gas cylinders were seized,” she said.“In addition to this, inspection teams of our oil marketing companies have also been activated and conducted surprise inspections at around two thousand retail outlets and LPG distributors,” she added.The state government is taking enforcement measures to prevent hoarding and black marketing of petrol, diesel and LPG. Raids are being conducted in several states to check hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders.Certain industries, such as hotels and restaurants, have turned to alternative fuels such as kerosene and coal to ease pressure on LPG supplies.Ongoing conflicts in West Asia have triggered disruptions in global energy supplies and led to shortages of liquefied petroleum gas.