Refineries at peak capacity, LPG supply stable; Govt urges consumers to avoid panic booking

The central government on Friday assured that refineries across the country are operating at peak capacity with sufficient crude oil and LPG stocks, ensuring uninterrupted supply and normal deliveries despite a surge in booking levels.

While addressing the media, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that nearly 93% of LPG bookings are now being made online, with deliveries authenticated to ensure transparency and efficiency in distribution.

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“Consumers are being actively encouraged to shift towards Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a cleaner and more reliable alternative. So far, over 7,500 consumers have already transitioned to PNG. To prioritise essential sectors, the government has allocated commercial LPG supplies across 18 states and Union Territories. Around 11,300 tonnes were supplied last week alone, catering primarily to hospitals and educational institutions” she said.

The government has also stepped up monitoring efforts to prevent irregularities and ensure smooth supply. Control rooms have been activated, district-level committees are on alert, and more than 4,500 raids have been conducted nationwide. Oil Marketing Companies are also carrying out regular inspections, Sharma said.

“While the situation remains under close watch, supplies are adequate,” Sharma said, urging citizens to avoid panic booking and rely only on official communication.

Consumers have been advised to wait for scheduled doorstep deliveries and cooperate with authorities, as the government continues efforts to maintain supply stability and promote alternative fuel options.

In a separate development, amid the West Asia tensions, the Indian government is exploring the creation of a dedicated Rs 1,000 crore fund to support insurers offering war-risk coverage for ships operating through high-risk waters such as the Strait of Hormuz.

In the first half of March, LPG consumption saw a steep decline. As per the preliminary industry data, the LPG consumption fell 17.7% year-on-year to 1.147 million tonnes during March 1–15, compared with 1.387 million tonnes in the same period last year. It was also down 26.3% from 1.557 million tonnes recorded in the first half of February.