New Delhi, 06 April (H.S):
The central government urged citizens to ignore social media rumors on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and fuel shortages, affirming sufficient domestic reserves and advising need-based purchases only.
Robust Supply Chain Details
Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma (Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry) briefed at the National Media Centre that ~50 lakh cylinders sell daily, with 6.75 lakh small (5kg) units sold in the last 14 days. Sales hit 90,000 on April 4; no distributor reports stockouts. ~18 crore households received cylinders in five weeks.
Boosted Small Cylinder Push
To meet rising demand, 5kg cylinders now require only ID proof-no address verification. Awareness camps in 22 states (Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal) sold 6,700 units over two days. Online bookings peaked at 97%; 90% deliveries use OTP to curb diversion/black marketing. Distributors operate Sundays/holidays; commercial 19kg supply prioritized essentials (42 lakh in three weeks).
Import Mitigation Measures
West Asia conflicts impacted imports (major source), but extra cargoes secured timely. Domestic PNG/CNG 100% assured; fertilizer plants ramped to 90%. Export duties imposed; India's oil prices lowest regionally. Private OMCs stocked; public firms absorb demand surge. Hoarding/black market crackdown: 1 lakh raids, 52,000 cylinders seized, 220 arrests, 118 fines, 41 suspensions in 4-5 weeks.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar