Don't panic! Centre committed to maintaining LPG supplies for households & essential sectors

Urging citizens once again not to book LPG cylinders in panic, the central government on Saturday reiterated its commitment to ensuring sufficient and uninterrupted supplies of cooking gas for households and essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

The statement comes at a time when LPG bookings have reportedly surged to abnormal levels an anticipation of a shortage in supplies in relation with disruptions in West Asia, where a raging conflict entered a third week since joint US-Israel attacks against Tehran that killed Iran's Supreme Leader and triggered Tehran's retaliatory action against several countries in the region.

The government said that the domestic LPG output at refineries has risen 31 per cent.

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The Centre also reiterated that it is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and maintaining coordination among the concerned ministries and agencies. "Necessary measures are in place to safeguard energy supplies, ensure the safety of Indian nationals, maintain maritime operations and keep essential commodities available across the country," according to an official statement.

Businesses can use alternative fuels temporarily

According to a Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) order, industries, hotels and restaurants can temporarily use biomass and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) pellets as a substitute to natural gas in the National Capital Region for a month. Also, in case other alternatives are unavailable, even coal or kerosene may also be used, it noted.

Central spokespersons also announced several measures aimed at rationalising domestic consumption. In urban areas, domestic consumers are now allowed to book LPG refills at a gap of 25 days. Consumers residing in rural regions are allowed to book in 45 days.

The government has allocated an additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to states and Union Territories. Alternative fuels like kerosene and coal are being used to reduce pressure on LPG in the hospitality sector, according to an official statement.

Promote digital LPG bookings: Govt to OMCs IOCL, HPCL, BPCL

The central government has instructed state-run oil marketing companies to promote digital LPG bookings, discourage panic booking and avoid unnecessary visits to dealerships.

Earlier, it invoked an emergency law to order domestic refiners to ramp up production.

At a media briefing on Saturday, officials said that the domestic output has risen 31 per cent, from 25 per cent earlier this week.

LPG Bookings | Use digital platforms to book, don't panic-book

Requesting the media to disseminate correct information and rely only on official sources, the government issued the following advisory for the public:

• LPG cylinders can be booked easily through digital platforms, like:
  • IVRS calls
  • SMS
  • WhatsApp
  • OMCs' mobile apps

Beware of misinformation, misleading AI-generated videos...

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said it has taken initiatives to ensure dissemination of verified information to the public.

It noted that:

• Fake information, including AI-generated videos and misleading messages, is being circulated on some social media handles
• Citizens are advised to remain cautious and rely only on authentic sources and official government handles
• LPG cylinder booking should be done through online or digital platforms such as SMS, portals or IVRS
• Consumers are advised not to visit distributors physically
• State governments and district-level committees, in coordination with OMCs, are monitoring the situation and taking action against hoarding and black marketing
• Citizens are requested not to indulge in panic booking and to book LPG cylinders only as per the normal refill cycle

Meanwhile, the government said it has sought safe passage for 22 ​of its vessels stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran allowed a few Indian ships to sail through, in a rare exception to the blockade.

A Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said that India has stayed ​in touch with all major parties in the Middle East -- including Gulf Cooperation ​Council countries, Iran, the US and Israel -- to convey its priorities, ⁠particularly on energy security.