The government on Sunday outlined measures being taken to ensure fuel availability, maritime safety and the welfare of Indian nationals amid developments in West Asia.
In an update, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said petrol, diesel and LPG supplies remain stable across the country, with refineries operating at high capacity and maintaining adequate crude oil inventories.
Oil marketing companies have reported no cases of fuel dry-outs at retail outlets. The ministry advised citizens not to resort to panic buying, stating that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available across the country.
As part of supply management measures, the government has amended the LPG Control Order requiring consumers with piped natural gas (PNG) connections to surrender their domestic LPG connections to optimise cylinder availability.
LPG supply continues to be monitored in view of the geopolitical situation. According to the ministry, LPG bookings declined to 77 lakh on March 14 compared with 88.8 lakh bookings on March 13, indicating a reduction in panic bookings.
Digital bookings have also increased from 84 percent to about 87 per cent, with consumers advised to use online platforms such as IVRS calls, SMS booking, WhatsApp and mobile applications of oil marketing companies.
The government has also rationalised LPG booking intervals to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas to ensure equitable distribution.
States and Union Territories have stepped up monitoring, with 22 states and UTs establishing control rooms to track fuel availability and distribution. Enforcement teams are conducting raids in several states to check hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders.
Authorities are also monitoring maritime developments in the Gulf region following an incident at the Fujairah oil terminal in the UAE.
An Indian-flagged tanker that was loading crude oil at the terminal during the incident has sailed safely for India carrying about 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude. Two Indian-flagged LPG carriers carrying over 92,000 tonnes of LPG are currently on passage to Indian ports.
The government said it continues to coordinate with state authorities, oil marketing companies, maritime agencies and Indian missions to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and maintain logistical stability.
