Middle East War Impact: LPG situation concerning, but supply to domestic consumers will continue, says Indian govt | Highlights

The government on Friday conducted an inter-ministerial briefing on the Middle East crisis with multiple departments sharing updates and the potential impact of Strait of Hormuz disruptions on the Indian economy. Since its first inter-ministerial press conference in the national capital on March 11, spokespersons from departments like oil, shipping and foreign affairs have been aprising the public on the crisis regularly.

Here are key takeaways from the March 20 briefing:

• Crude oil stockpiles adequate; refineries operating at full capacity
• No dry-out reported at retail fuel outlets
• Ensuring energy availability is the priority; no decision has been taken yet to raise prices
• Consumers urged to shift to PNG
• States asked to prioritise PNG connections
• States approving PNG connections to get 10 per cent additional gas allocation
• LPG situation concerning, but supply to domestic consumers will continue

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

'LPG panic-booking has declined, 55 lakh bookings recorded on Thursday'

• Panic-booking has reduced
• 55 lakh LPG bookings recorded on March 19
• Domestic LPG production up 40 per cent

PNG connections update

• Around 7.5 lakh LPG consumers have shifted to PNG so far
• Rajasthan government has sought additional LPG supply
• Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) has been made mandatory to curb illegal LPG trade
• Action continues against hoarding and black-marketing
• 4,500 raids conducted on Thursday
  • 1,800 surprise inspections by OMCs

Strait of Hormuz | Shipping operations

• India’s position on the Strait of Hormuz and global sea routes is that safe passage must be ensured
• All Indian ships and citizens are safe
• No congestion reported at any port
• Review meeting held with states
• Ports have taken several steps to manage cargo movement
• New Mangalore Port has announced concessions on charges for crude and LPG handling
• Additional 3,500 sq m covered storage area created
• PM Narendra Modi spoke to leaders of five countries:
  • Oman
  • France
  • Qatar
  • Jordan
  • Malaysia

Middle East War | Citizen safety remains priority, says Indian govt

• Safety of Indian citizens remains a priority
• Continuous advisories being issued
• The government is assisting people with visas, permissions and related issues