Govt Maintains 100% LPG, PNG Supply Amid West Asia Crisis, Prioritises Households: MoPNG

New Delhi, Apr 16 (KNN) The government has ensured uninterrupted supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to domestic consumers by prioritising household needs amid disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis.

Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), said, "As you know, due to the West Asia crisis, India's energy supplies were also affected. But the Indian government has taken many effective steps, due to which 100 per cent supply has been ensured by prioritising domestic PNG and LPG consumers. Apart from this, CNG transport has also been 100 per cent ensured."

Supply Measures and Demand Management

To stabilise availability, domestic refineries ramped up LPG production, while booking intervals were adjusted to 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural regions to manage demand efficiently.

Sharma noted, "As I told you, commercial supplies have been affected. But to avoid supply chain disruption and shortages of essential commodities, the Indian government has restored 70 per cent of the supplies in a calibrated manner. Since 14th March, 1.34 lakh tonnes of commercial LPG have been sold."

The government also prioritised supply to critical sectors such as hospitals, educational institutions, and industries including pharmaceuticals, steel, automobiles and agriculture.

Digital Systems and Alternative Supply Support

The ministry highlighted strong digital adoption, with 98 per cent of LPG bookings made online and 93 per cent of deliveries authenticated through digital codes, improving efficiency and transparency.

To enhance flexibility, the availability of 5 kg LPG cylinders was doubled, while alternative fuels such as kerosene and coal were also made accessible. Awareness campaigns were conducted through thousands of camps, resulting in significant uptake of smaller cylinders.

Support to Industry and Fertiliser Sector

Sharma highlighted, "The sale of 5 kg cylinders has also been increased. Oil marketing companies are running awareness camps. Since 3rd April, around 5,000 camps have been organised. Around 57,800 cylinders have been sold in these camps. Yesterday, 583 camps were organised. Around 8,575 cylinders have been sold in these camps. Since 23rd March, around 14,60,000 cylinders of 5 kg have been sold."

A joint working group was set up on March 24 to ensure feedstock supply to industrial and petrochemical sectors. This led to the allocation of C3 and C4 streams, with around 1,000 tonnes of LPG per day directed to pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities were instructed to ensure full supply to critical industries, while 95 per cent of natural gas requirements for the fertiliser sector were met.

(KNN Bureau)