55 lakh LPG refills delivered, supply normal: Govt
New Delhi, March 29
The supply of domestic LPG cylinders is normal in the country, with more than 55 lakh refills delivered on Saturday, while another 64,000 free trade 5 kg cylinders have also been sold, and no dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships, the Ministry of Petroleum said on Sunday.
Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased to 94 per cent on an industry basis, and to prevent diversion at the distributor level, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have been increased from 53 per cent in February to 84 per cent, the statement said.
All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place. The country is also maintaining sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel. Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption. All petrol pumps are operating normally across the country.
The government has requested consumers to make LPG bookings online and avoid visiting LPG distributorships. Citizens are also requested to use alternative fuels like PNG and induction/electric cooktops. All citizens are also requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily usage.
In view of the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, proactive measures are being undertaken to maintain the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country.
There were certain rumours which led to panic buying at some retail outlets in a few states, resulting in unusually high sales and heavy crowding. However, it is informed that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all petrol pumps in the country. The Government has reiterated its advice to the public not to believe rumours.
Raids continue to be carried out in many of the states and UTs to check hoarding and black marketing of LPG. About 2,900 raids have been conducted, and about 1,000 cylinders have been seized on Saturday.
Officials of public sector oil marketing companies have conducted surprise inspections at more than 1200 RO and LPG distributorships on Saturday across the country to ensure smooth supplies and to check any hoarding or black marketing. The oil companies have issued about 480 show cause notices to LPG distributorships till date.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is reassuring. My mother was worried after hearing rumours from neighbours. I'll show her this article. The DAC system for delivery seems like a good move to prevent diversion. Hope the supply remains smooth.
While the numbers look good, the ground reality can be different. In our area, the delivery is still delayed by 2-3 days. Appreciate the efforts, but execution needs to be uniform across all towns and villages.
The push for online booking and alternative fuels like induction cooktops is the way forward. It's more efficient and reduces crowding. Time for us as citizens to also adapt and not rely solely on LPG.
55 lakh deliveries in a day is a massive number! Kudos to the supply chain workers. The Strait of Hormuz situation is concerning, but glad to see contingency plans are in place. Jai Hind!
The request to conserve energy is important. We should all do our bit – using pressure cookers, switching off stoves early. Small habits at home can make a big difference at the national level. ♻️
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