Kamal Ghorui
The government has stepped up efforts to streamline gas distribution and ease supply pressures, directing faster processing of city gas projects while increasing allocations of commercial LPG to key sectors amid a challenging geopolitical environment.The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has instructed its offices to dispose of City Gas Distribution (CGD) applications within 10 days, aiming to accelerate the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG), an official statement said.Commercial LPG consumers in major cities and urban areas have also been advised to shift to PNG as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on liquefied petroleum gas. Domestic LPG supply remains stable, with no reported dry-outs at distributorships and normal delivery patterns across the country, the statement said, adding that most deliveries are being carried out through the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) while panic bookings have subsided, PTI reported.On the commercial LPG front, the government has progressively increased allocations. After restoring 20 per cent supply earlier, an additional 10 per cent allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms was announced on March 18. A further 20 per cent allocation was cleared on March 21, taking total commercial LPG supply to 50 per cent.The latest increase prioritises sectors such as restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing units, dairy operations, community kitchens and subsidised food outlets run by state governments and local bodies. Provision has also been made for 5 kg cylinders for migrant workers.Around 20 states and Union Territories have implemented the revised allocation guidelines, while public sector oil marketing companies are supplying commercial LPG in the remaining regions. In the past eight days, about 15,440 tonnes of LPG have been lifted by commercial entities.Educational institutions and hospitals continue to receive priority, accounting for nearly half of the total commercial LPG allocation. Despite global uncertainties affecting supply, the government indicated that domestic availability remains under control while efforts continue to transition urban consumers towards PNG.
