People should not panic and book gas cylinders, safety of Indians stranded in West Asia is government's top priority: Government

Amid the impact of the West Asia crisis on fuel supply, the government has advised domestic consumers not to panic while booking LPG cylinders. The government said on Wednesday that it is closely monitoring the global challenging situation and cylinders will be supplied within the usual two-and-a-half days of booking. Meanwhile, the safety of Indians stranded in affected countries is its top priority.

The government said that strict measures are also being taken to deal with fuel hoarding and black marketing. Besides, appropriate measures have been taken to bring back Indians stranded in West Asia. The government is also vigilant about the safety of 28 Indian fuel tankers and 778 people on board in the Gulf region.

Senior officials of the concerned ministries presented details of the measures taken by the government to deal with the situation and the challenges arising out of it at an inter-ministerial press conference held to inform about the steps taken by the government to deal with the West Asia crisis.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that special arrangements have been made to increase domestic LPG production, resulting in a 25 percent increase in production over the past few days. She said that the ministry is strictly enforcing the cylinder delivery confirmation code to prevent the use of cooking gas for other purposes. Currently, an effort is being made to bring 90 percent of consumers under this system.

She said that India is 60 percent dependent on imports in the case of LPG, and about 90 percent of the imported LPG comes through the Strait of Hormuz near Iran, which is affected by the war. In view of this situation, a recent order has directed state refineries to increase LPG production to the maximum.

Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said, "This is a globally challenging situation, but India's fuel supply is under control. The government is constantly monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to secure the needs of homes and priority sectors. We appeal to citizens to avoid panic booking, cooperate with the authorities, and save fuel wherever possible during this global uncertainty."

She clarified that after the recent increase of Rs 60 in Delhi, the price of an LPG cylinder is Rs 913, while Ujjwala consumers have to pay Rs 613 per cylinder. Thus, there is an additional burden of only 80 paise per cylinder per day. Despite the increase in global prices, prices are being kept under control in the country due to government intervention.

She said that India's daily gas consumption is equivalent to 18.9 crore standard cubic meters, out of which 9.7 crore cubic meters are imported. Currently, the supply of 4.7 crore cubic meters of gas is affected due to the war in the Gulf region, and efforts are being made to increase supply from alternative sources.

The Joint Secretary of the Petroleum Ministry said that two liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers are currently on their way. The government has issued a control order to supply available gas to priority sectors. Under this, domestic use, transport, hospitals, and educational institutions have been given priority. The fertilizer sector is being supplied 70 percent, while oil refineries have been asked to reduce consumption by up to 35 percent.

S. Senthil Rajan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said that to prevent fuel hoarding and black marketing, the Union Home Secretary has held a meeting with the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of the states and directed them to take necessary action. He said that all states have also been asked to provide accurate information to the public from time to time.