Says domestic refineries operating at full capacity
New Delhi: The government on Friday appealed to the people not to give credence to rumours and refrain from engaging in panic buying of LPG in the wake of the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry also clarified that India currently has a crude oil refining capacity of 258 million metric tonnes, and domestic refineries are operating at full capacity.
“This has made the country self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel, reducing the need for imports of these fuels,” Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the ministry, said, at an inter-ministerial media briefing on the situation arising from the conflict in West Asia.
The senior official said, “There is no need for panic booking; no ‘dry-out’ has been reported at any LPG distributor.”
She said the supply of piped natural gas (PNG) to households and compressed natural gas (CNG) remained uninterrupted. Petrol and diesel were also available in adequate quantities at retail outlets nationwide.
’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,’’ the official added.
Similarly, LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. ‘’Domestic production of LPG has increased by 30% as of today; compared to March 5th, our refineries are currently producing 30% more LPG,’’ she added.
Regarding commercial cylinders, she said 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.”
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, a senior official at the Ministry of Shipping, said, “LPG carrier vessels have been accorded priority berthing at major ports.
Regarding the ongoing crisis and the prevailing situation in the Gulf region, he said, ‘’unfortunately, as I mentioned yesterday, three casualties involving Indian seafarers have been reported. One seafarer remains missing. Additionally, four seafarers sustained minor injuries; however, all those who sustained injuries have been brought out and are currently receiving medical treatment… The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to closely monitor the prevailing maritime situation in the Persian Gulf region, which remains continuously evolving.”