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Govt Rules Out Regular Petrol Price Hike, Focuses on Securing LPG Supplies

The government has clarified that the recent fuel price increase applies only to premium petrol, which constitutes a minor share of total sales, while regular petrol prices remain unchanged. Officials stated that domestic LPG supplies are stable with increased production and no reported dry-outs, though India's energy position remains import-dependent. Efforts are actively underway to secure LPG supplies and broaden sourcing to ensure stability, alongside measures like releasing PNG connections to reduce pressure. The government also reported the safety of all Indian vessels in key maritime regions amid global tensions.

Key Points: No Hike in Regular Petrol Prices, Govt Ensures LPG Supply

  • No price hike on regular petrol
  • Premium petrol price increased by over ₹2/litre
  • LPG supplies stable, no dry-outs reported
  • Government broadening energy supply sources
  • Over 13,700 PNG connections released to ease LPG demand
2 min read

No price hike on regular petrol, all efforts underway to secure LPG supplies: Govt

Government clarifies only premium petrol prices increased. Efforts underway to secure LPG supplies amid global tensions, with no dry-outs reported.

"There has been a reduction in panic booking... no dry outs have been reported at our distributors. - Sujata Sharma"

New Delhi, March 20

The government on Friday said there has been no price increase on regular petrol for consumers and the hike is limited to the premium fuel category, which accounts for only 3-4 per cent of total petrol sales.

Addressing the daily briefing, Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry's Joint Secretary, Marketing and Oil Refinery, Sujata Sharma said that petrol and diesel prices are deregulated and determined by the oil marketing companies (OMCs).

OMCs increased the price of premium petrol by over Rs 2 per litre with immediate effect, amid rising global crude prices triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia. The regular petrol prices have not been increased at the moment.

Sharma further said that domestic LPG supplies remain unaffected, with no dry-outs reported, even as production has been stepped up.

However, the official acknowledged that India's energy position is "not self-sustainable" and continues to depend on imports.

Sharma said more than 13,700 PNG connections have been released to ease pressure on LPG usage. "There has been a reduction in panic booking, and 11,300 tonnes of commercial LPG have been supplied to consumers in the last one week," she informed.

"Around 7,500 consumers have shifted from LPG to PNG. The situation is still worrying due to the war, but no dry outs have been reported at our distributors. There is a significant reduction in panic booking, and yesterday, we received about 55 lakh refill booking requests," said Sharma.

All efforts are underway to secure LPG supplies, and the government is actively working to broaden its supply sources to ensure stability, she said, urging state governments to strengthen monitoring and enforcement systems to ensure smooth distribution.

Whether India would purchase Iranian oil following US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's recent remarks to "unsanction" Iranian oil at sea, Sharma said that it is "difficult to answer right now".

Meanwhile, Special Secretary, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, said there were no maritime incidents in the last 24 hours, with all 22 Indian vessels and seafarers remaining safe around the Strait of Hormuz.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a homemaker, LPG supply is my biggest worry. Hearing there are no dry-outs and panic booking is reducing is a huge relief. Hope the government keeps a close watch. Shifting to PNG might be a good option for some, but the initial cost is high for many families.
A
Aman W
Premium fuel hike affects only 3-4%? That's a clever way to increase revenue without major public backlash. Most middle-class people like me use regular petrol. But the underlying problem remains - we are always at the mercy of international conflicts. Need long-term solutions.
S
Sarah B
The most important line is "India's energy position is not self-sustainable." This is the core challenge. All these measures are just managing a crisis. Massive investment in renewables and exploring our own resources is the only way forward. The war in West Asia is a wake-up call.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, the government's communication is reassuring but the action seems reactive. We hear "all efforts are underway" often. Would like to see a clear, transparent roadmap for energy security. Also, glad our vessels near Hormuz are safe. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
The shift from LPG to PNG for 7500 consumers is a positive step. But what about rural areas where PNG isn't available? The government needs to ensure equitable distribution of resources. LPG subsidy is already reduced, now supply worries add to the burden. 😔

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