The central government on Monday assured that domestic LPG supplies remained steady, without drying up, noting that online bookings had reached nearly 99% amid tensions in the Middle East.
It said around 70% of commercial supplies had been restored and steps had been taken to prevent disruption to the supply chain, prevent shortages of essential goods and ensure the continuity of industrial operations.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that since March 14, around 1,82,900 tonnes of commercial LPG has been sold.
“Our domestic LPG supply is normal. No drying up has been reported from any distributor. Online booking has reached up to 99%,” Sharma said.
The Joint Secretary further said, “LPG delivery based on OTP is done to prevent diversion. In this regard, I would like to inform you that OTP is sent only to the registered mobile number. So if the consumer does not share this code with anyone else, then this code cannot be known to anyone.”
Sharma noted that as per market norms, oil marketing companies (OMCs) have fixed minimum operating thresholds of 85% to 90% when assessing the situation. She said that if there is a need to bypass the DAC, it can only be done with the approval of heads of state or territory-level officials.
Read also | LPG bottle price April 13: How much does domestic and commercial gas cost
“To facilitate the sale of 5kg FTL cylinders, it has been ID-based. And no address proof is required for this purchase. And in this, the state governments are ensuring smooth supply. OMC has been conducting 3,450 awareness camps since April 3rd in which more than 40,000 cylinders have been sold since April 3rd. And so far, about 023 30kg cylinders have been sold in March. gas, 100% supply has been ensured while protecting PNG domestic consumers and CNG vehicles,” she explained.
She noted: “About 95% of their demand is supplied by fertilizers. In addition, CGD has been mandated to supply 100% to schools, colleges, cold storage, food industry, pharmaceuticals etc. Additional commercial LPG is provided to all states contributing to the PNG network expansion.”
Meanwhile, the Indian-flagged vessel Jag Vikram, carrying 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG, is expected to arrive at Kandla in Gujarat on April 14, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said on Monday.
Read also | U.S. stock futures fell 1% after Trump threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz
Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal said at an inter-ministerial briefing that the ship with 24 crew members on board crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 11.
The passage is seen as a major development for India, marking the first time an Indian vessel has sailed the key route since the announcement of a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran aimed at easing tensions and restoring key maritime trade ties.
Read also | US Iran War LIVE: Netanyahu to back Trump blockade; Starmer says the UK doesn’t
“The Indian-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram, which crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 11, is likely to reach Kandla on April 14. The vessel is carrying 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG and has 24 seamen on board.” Mentioned by Mukesh Mangal.
He added that no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels have been reported in the last 24 hours and that the ministry has so far allowed the safe return of more than 2,177 Indian seafarers, including 93 in the last 24 hours.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to the welfare of seafarers and smooth functioning of maritime operations, while noting the continued coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad and other maritime entities.
“Traffic is normal at every Indian port and no congestion has been reported,” the ministry said.
