No need to panic over LPG crisis, India has enough options: Hardeep Singh Puri
New Delhi : Amid the ongoing war in West Asia and reports of an energy crisis and cooking gas shortage in India, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri clarified the situation in Parliament on Thursday. He assured the country that India has successfully diversified its sources of gas and crude oil supply.
Key points: Supply and diversification
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Puri said India is no longer dependent only on Gulf countries for energy supplies.
New sources: Apart from Gulf nations, India is now importing LPG and crude oil from the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria and Russia.
Crude oil: Earlier, about 45% of India’s crude oil came through the Strait of Hormuz. Now supply from non-Hormuz routes has been increased to around 70%.
LPG production: Refineries have been asked to increase LPG production. As a result, domestic production has risen by about 28% in the last five days.
Priority and distribution system
The minister said the government’s top priority is to protect the interests of more than 330 million households that depend on cooking gas.
Domestic supply: There will be no cuts in PNG supply to homes or CNG for vehicles. The delivery time for LPG cylinders will remain the same at about 2.5 days after booking.
Institutions: Hospitals and educational institutions will continue to receive uninterrupted supply.
Industrial supply: Industries will receive 80% of their average gas supply, while fertiliser plants will get 70% so that the agriculture cycle is not affected.
Steps against hoarding and black marketing
To stop hoarding and black marketing in the market, the government has introduced stricter rules for commercial LPG. A three-member committee of executive directors from IOCL, HPCL and BPCL has been formed to monitor the situation.
“Commercial LPG is not in short supply. Regulation is needed to stop hoarding. Hotels and restaurants have also been allowed to use alternative fuels like kerosene and biomass,” Puri said.
The minister added that India is facing one of the biggest global energy disruptions with strong preparedness. He urged citizens not to believe rumours and said there is no shortage of petrol or diesel at any retail outlet in the country.
