People wait in a queue outside a gas agency to refill the LPG cylinders amid reports of a nationwide shortage of LPG, in Kolkata on Friday. (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: The government on Friday held a joint inter-ministerial briefing for the third consecutive day to address panic over LPG supplies amid the raging war in West Asia and Iran’s choking of the Strait of Hormuz, which has tightened global energy supplies.The government said there was no need to queue outside LPG distributors and urged consumers to book cylinders online, citing data showing that online bookings rose to 83 per cent in March from 71 per cent in February.Addressing the concerns over the supply squeeze of the LPG cylinders, both commercial and domestic, the central government assured the “uninterrupted supply to households,” claiming that domestic LPG output was up 30 per cent compared to March 5.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel says struck over 200 targets in Iran; drone hits residential apartment in BeirutDid Iran hit US warship Abraham Lincoln? What we knowDubai targeted again: Video shows thick black smoke after blasts; debris hits buildingThe ministry, responsible for looking petroleum and natural gases, said LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. “Uninterrupted supply to domestic households has been ensured. Similarly, LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. Domestic production of LPG has increased by 30 per cent as of today; compared to March 5, our refineries are currently producing 30 per cent more LPG,” said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in ministry for petroleum and natural gases, during a press brief.Calling LPG as an “issue of concern” after closure of Strait of Hormuz, the joint secretary however said “a dry-out has not been reported by any of the 25,000 distributors”. “LPG is an issue of concern for us, especially as the majority of our imports come through the Strait of Hormuz. Closure of the strait is a matter of concern. However, a dry-out has not been reported by any of the 25,000 distributors. I would urge the people of the country not to trust rumours and not to indulge in panic buying,” Sujata Sharma said.She also said that the government was taking action against people indulging in black marketing and hoarding of the LPG.On the commerical cylinders, the shortage of which has primarily hit food businesses, the central government said supply of it have been placed “at the disposal of the State Governments to facilitate priority distribution”. “Regarding commercial cylinders, these have been placed at the disposal of the State Governments to facilitate priority distribution. We are requesting the State Governments to determine the priority criteria and ensure that these commercial cylinders effectively reach the intended consumers,” she added.The joint secretary also addressed concerns over the crude oil, saying all the country’s refineries “are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher”. “As far as crude oil is concerned, we possess a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel; consequently, there is no need to import these fuels into India. All our refineries are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher. The refineries hold adequate inventories of crude oil, and furthermore, supplies are being consistently maintained,” she said.The government said that supply of PNG (Piped Natural Gas) to domestic consumers and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is being ensured without any interruptions or cuts. “Given this situation, there is absolutely no need for panic…Furthermore, regarding commercial consumers in our major urban cities and centers, many of whom are currently facing difficulties due to their reliance on LPG supplies, the government of India is making every effort to address their concerns. We appeal to all such commercial consumers to contact their local CGD (City Gas Distribution) network provider or their designated dealer to obtain a PNG connection,” Sharma said.”Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps… Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us. Nevertheless, despite this situation, no dry out has been reported at any of our 25,000 distributors. I would like to appeal to all fellow citizens not to give credence to rumors and to refrain from engaging in panic buying,” she further added.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Strait Of Hormuz Must Remain Closed’: Iran’s Supreme Leader; Trump To Back Mojtaba’s Assassination?India Negotiates Safe Passage For Tankers At Hormuz With Iran As Concerns Over LPG Supply IncreaseIndia Among 60 Nations Under New Trade Probe By Trump Administration Over Forced Labour ImportsIAF Chief AP Singh Takes Sortie In MiG-29 Fighter Jet, Reviews Combat Readiness At Adampur BasePM Modi Dials Iran President, Flags Indian Safety, Energy Supply Risks Amid Rising Gulf Tensions’Public Interest Will Guide Every Decision’: PM Modi Reassures Nation Amid Global UncertaintyIndian Crew Hit In Iran War Shipping Chaos: 3 Dead, 4 InjuredCentre Urges Citizens To Avoid Panic Booking As India Assures Stable LPG, Fuel Supply Amid WarChief Of Integrated Staff Air Marshal Dixit Says India Not Dealing With Same Pakistan After Operation SindoorEpstein Chants Greet Hardeep Puri In Lok Sabha Amid Rahul Gandhi’s Dig At Minister, Birla Steps In123Photostories7 most scenic coastal road trips in India you need to experience onceRs 139 crore project to widen Padi ROB into dual five-lane bridge: What we knowSylvester Stallone to Clive Standen: Hollywood stars who appeared in Bollywood filmsRinku Singh’s house tour: From humble staff quarter to Rs 3.5 crore dream bungalow in Aligarh with luxury interiors and trophy wallArchana Puran Singh cries as son Aaryamann shares he was depressed for ‘15 years of his life’; he says, ‘Felt like there’s no point in living’9 basic laws all landlords and tenants must knowFeeling tired, achy, or weak? 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NEW DELHI: The government on Friday held a joint inter-ministerial briefing for the third consecutive day to address panic over LPG supplies amid the raging war in West Asia and Iran’s choking of the Strait of Hormuz, which has tightened global energy supplies.The government said there was no need to queue outside LPG distributors and urged consumers to book cylinders online, citing data showing that online bookings rose to 83 per cent in March from 71 per cent in February.Addressing the concerns over the supply squeeze of the LPG cylinders, both commercial and domestic, the central government assured the “uninterrupted supply to households,” claiming that domestic LPG output was up 30 per cent compared to March 5.The ministry, responsible for looking petroleum and natural gases, said LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. “Uninterrupted supply to domestic households has been ensured. Similarly, LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. Domestic production of LPG has increased by 30 per cent as of today; compared to March 5, our refineries are currently producing 30 per cent more LPG,” said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in ministry for petroleum and natural gases, during a press brief.Calling LPG as an “issue of concern” after closure of Strait of Hormuz, the joint secretary however said “a dry-out has not been reported by any of the 25,000 distributors”. “LPG is an issue of concern for us, especially as the majority of our imports come through the Strait of Hormuz. Closure of the strait is a matter of concern. However, a dry-out has not been reported by any of the 25,000 distributors. I would urge the people of the country not to trust rumours and not to indulge in panic buying,” Sujata Sharma said.She also said that the government was taking action against people indulging in black marketing and hoarding of the LPG.On the commerical cylinders, the shortage of which has primarily hit food businesses, the central government said supply of it have been placed “at the disposal of the State Governments to facilitate priority distribution”. “Regarding commercial cylinders, these have been placed at the disposal of the State Governments to facilitate priority distribution. We are requesting the State Governments to determine the priority criteria and ensure that these commercial cylinders effectively reach the intended consumers,” she added.The joint secretary also addressed concerns over the crude oil, saying all the country’s refineries “are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher”. “As far as crude oil is concerned, we possess a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel; consequently, there is no need to import these fuels into India. All our refineries are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher. The refineries hold adequate inventories of crude oil, and furthermore, supplies are being consistently maintained,” she said.The government said that supply of PNG (Piped Natural Gas) to domestic consumers and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is being ensured without any interruptions or cuts. “Given this situation, there is absolutely no need for panic…Furthermore, regarding commercial consumers in our major urban cities and centers, many of whom are currently facing difficulties due to their reliance on LPG supplies, the government of India is making every effort to address their concerns. We appeal to all such commercial consumers to contact their local CGD (City Gas Distribution) network provider or their designated dealer to obtain a PNG connection,” Sharma said.“Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps… Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us. Nevertheless, despite this situation, no dry out has been reported at any of our 25,000 distributors. I would like to appeal to all fellow citizens not to give credence to rumors and to refrain from engaging in panic buying,” she further added.
