Prime Highlights:
- LPG refill bookings dropped to around 77 lakh from 88.8 lakh earlier, showing that panic buying has started to decline as fuel supplies remain stable.
- The government confirmed that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG, with refineries operating at high capacity and ensuring regular supply nationwide.
Key Facts:
- The share of online LPG cylinder bookings increased from 84% to about 87% after oil marketing companies promoted digital booking platforms.
- Authorities have intensified raids and inspections across several states to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders and fuel.
Background:
LPG refill bookings have dropped to around 77 lakh, down from 88.8 lakh recorded earlier this month, signalling that panic buying has begun to ease even as the government reassured citizens that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas in the country.
According to the latest government update, fuel and cooking gas supplies remain stable despite tensions in West Asia. Oil marketing companies reported that all fuel retail outlets and LPG distributorships continue to operate normally, with no instances of supply dry-outs across the country.
Officials said domestic refineries are running at high capacity and maintaining adequate crude oil inventories to ensure steady production. India remains self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production and does not require imports to meet domestic demand.
The government also noted a rise in digital bookings for LPG cylinders. Online bookings have increased from 84 percent to about 87 percent following campaigns by oil marketing companies encouraging consumers to use digital platforms instead of visiting LPG dealerships. The initiative aims to reduce panic bookings and long queues at distribution centres.
Authorities said uninterrupted supply continues for households and priority sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. Priority allocations of natural gas are also being maintained, including full supply for piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), while supplies to industrial and commercial users are currently regulated at about 80 percent.
State governments have also stepped up enforcement to prevent hoarding and black marketing. Raids and inspections are being conducted in several states, including Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, while officials of public sector oil companies are carrying out surprise checks at LPG distributorships.
The government has also implemented measures such as maximising domestic LPG production, rationalising booking intervals, and making commercial LPG cylinders available for priority distribution in 30 states and Union Territories.
Officials urged citizens to avoid panic buying and rely on digital booking platforms, assuring that adequate fuel and LPG stocks are available nationwide.