In order to make piped natural gas (PNG) more accessible to those without it, the Petroleum Ministry reports that over 6,000 PNG clients have willingly disconnected their LPG connections due to supply chain disruptions caused by the Iran War.
Secretary of Petroleum and Natural Gas Neeraj Mittal called on more qualifying customers to join the cause, praising the program as a grassroots movement for more fair fuel distribution.
A steady domestic supply has been maintained by the government, in spite of global uncertainty. Up till Saturday, distributorships did not report any shortages of the more than 54 lakh LPG refills that were delivered. The increase to 91% in online bookings is a result of better demand management and easier access.
From 53% in February to 84% now, distribution based on Delivery Authentication Codes (DACs) has grown substantially, enhancing supply chain transparency and reducing diversion.
Refineries are running at full capacity, with sufficient crude stocks, according to the government, and domestic LPG production has been increased. There is still more than enough petrol and diesel on hand to guarantee that the country will never run out of fuel.
Domestic PNG and CNG transport segments are already guaranteed 100% supply as part of the ongoing priority allocation process, while industrial and commercial consumers are receiving approximately 80% of their average demand.
Nearly 2,900 raids were carried out to combat hoarding and black marketing, and more than 1,700 cylinders were confiscated as a result. Enforcement efforts have also been stepped up. More than 390 distributors have been sent with show-cause warnings by public sector oil marketing corporations.
The ₹10 per litre reduction in excise duty on diesel and petrol helps keep prices stable, and retail fuel outlets are still open for business.
