Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest oil company, has advised its customers against panic booking and hoarding of LPG cylinders amid disruptions in global energy markets due to the war with Iran. The oil firm also assured that LPG supply in India remains stable and adequate despite geopolitical disruptions. At the same time, he added that the domestic availability of LPG remains its main priority.
In a statement, IndianOil said it supplies around 28 lakh LPG cylinders daily and nearly 87 per cent of refill bookings are done through digital platforms.
It said: “India’s LPG supply remains stable, adequate and closely monitored despite ongoing geopolitical developments affecting global energy markets. Domestic LPG (supply) continues to be a top priority.”
The company said the supply of 28 lakh gas cylinders was “in line with normal supply levels prior to the outbreak of the current geopolitical tensions”.
For LPG cylinder refill booking, customers are advised to use digital modes like SMS and IVRS for LPG refill booking. Currently, almost 87% of bookings are received through digital platforms.
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The IOC also said it is actively listening to concerns shared on its social media platforms and is committed to addressing them quickly.
“Reports of malpractices by some LPG distributors have been noticed through social media and customer complaints. To curb black marketing and hoarding, several cross-functional teams have been deployed to conduct surprise checks on LPG distributors,” the company said.
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Talking about the unfair practices, the IOC said that the company is conducting checks and has also taken action against more than 140 distributors.
About 68,000 raids were conducted in coordination with state authorities and other oil marketing companies, resulting in 855 FIRs and seizure of over 48,000 cylinders.
“Action has been taken against 141 LPG distributors, including suspension of 5 distributors,” it said. “IndianOil, like other oil marketing companies, is working closely with state governments across the country to prevent malpractices and curb hoarding.”
“Avoid panic booking”
The oil company also urged its customers to avoid panic bookings or hoarding cylinders.
“IndianOil assures all Indane customers that supplies remain adequate and stable and there is no shortage of LPG in the country. Customers are advised not to queue at LPG distributors and to avoid panic booking or storage of LPG cylinders. They are also advised not to believe rumors and rely only on official sources of information,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has also ensured uninterrupted supply of LPG and auto fuel across the country amid fears of shortage.
In a statement, HPCL said, “In the LPG segment, HPCL recorded deliveries of 14,10,000 cylinders from its 55 bottling plants, reaffirming its commitment to provide prompt and reliable services.”
“Additionally, the company supplied over-the-counter LPC cylinders of 27,800 (5 kg) and 1,500 (2 kg). In the retail segment, HPCL achieved jet sales of 37,269 KL of petrol and 75,356 KL of diesel, reflecting stable supply trends,” the company said.
