Amid concerns over global supply constraints triggered by tensions in West Asia, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Friday said that while petrol and diesel supplies remain stable across the country, the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) continues to remain a “matter of concern” for the government.
Speaking during an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery) in the ministry, said petrol and diesel were available in adequate quantities at fuel stations nationwide.
“Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps,” Sharma said, adding that the government was closely monitoring the LPG situation.
“Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us. Nevertheless, despite this situation, no dry out has been reported at any of our 25,000 distributors. I would like to appeal to all fellow citizens not to give credence to rumours and to refrain from engaging in panic buying,” she said.
Sharma said India remains self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel and has a refining capacity of about 258 million metric tonnes. She added that all refineries in the country are currently operating at full capacity or above and have adequate crude oil inventories.
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“As far as crude oil is concerned, we possess a refining capacity of 258 million metric tonnes. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel; consequently, there is no need to import these fuels into India. All our refineries are currently operating at 100 per cent capacity or higher,” she said.
The official said refineries hold sufficient crude oil inventories and supplies are being consistently maintained to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability.
She also said the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to households and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles is continuing across the country without any disruption.
However, Sharma acknowledged that several commercial consumers in major urban centres, many of whom rely on LPG cylinders, are facing difficulties due to the current situation.
The government is taking steps to address these concerns and has urged such consumers to consider alternative options. Sharma appealed to commercial establishments to approach their local **City Gas Distribution> networks or designated dealers to obtain PNG connections where available.
She emphasised that there was no need for panic buying and assured that the government continues to monitor supplies closely while taking measures to maintain energy security.
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