Kamal Ghorui
In a boost to domestic energy supplies amid disruptions in West Asia, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers safely crossed the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz early Saturday and are now on course for ports in Gujarat. LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi are heading to Mundra and Kandla, respectively, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, said at a media briefing. The ships are carrying a combined 92,700 tonne of LPG and are expected to dock at Indian ports on March 16 or 17, he said. The two vessels were among 24 ships that had been stranded on the western side of the strategic waterway since the war broke out in the region.
Petrol, diesel stocks adequate
India has sufficient availability of petrol and diesel and refineries are operating at full capacity despite disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict, a senior petroleum ministry official said, urging consumers to avoid panic booking of LPG cylinders.Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) Sujata Sharma said the country currently has enough crude supplies and domestic production is meeting fuel requirements.“As far as crude oil and refineries are concerned, we have a sufficient supply of crude and our refineries are operating at full capacity. There have been no reports of any dry-out at retail outlets. Adequate petrol and diesel are available,” she said.She added that India does not need to import petrol and diesel at present. “We produce enough petrol and diesel in the country according to our requirements, and therefore there is no need for us to import them,” Sharma said.
LPG supply under watch, PNG push for commercial users
While domestic fuel supplies remain stable, the official flagged concerns about cooking gas availability amid the prevailing geopolitical situation.“Regarding LPG supply, I would like to say that it is still a matter of concern for us in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation. However, no dry-out has been reported,” she said.The government is encouraging commercial consumers facing supply disruptions to switch to piped natural gas (PNG). In this context, the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has held meetings with city gas distribution operators to facilitate immediate PNG connections wherever feasible.“There was considerable discussion regarding commercial cylinders, and after that it was decided that some LPG should also be supplied to commercial consumers,” Sharma said, adding that distribution has begun in about 29 states and Union territories.
Panic booking spikes, govt appeals for restraint
Sharma also pointed to a sharp increase in LPG bookings, describing the trend as panic-driven.“Panic booking is still happening on a very large scale. Yesterday, we informed you that the number of bookings was around 7.5-7.6 million, and now that number has increased to almost 8.8 million. So this is nothing but panic booking,” she said.Appealing for restraint, she urged consumers to place orders only when required. “I would like to appeal to the citizens of the country to avoid panic booking and to make bookings only when there is an actual need. This will be good for everyone,” Sharma added.Highlighting the progress in digital adoption, the official said most LPG bookings are already being made online. “Online booking is currently about 84 per cent, but it needs to improve to almost 100 per cent,” she said.(With inputs from agencies)
