‘Use as per your needs’: Govt says no shortage of petrol and diesel despite Strait of Hormuz disruption

The government on Monday dismissed rumours of petrol and diesel shortage in the country, asking people to use the fuel as per their needs.

The disruption in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz on account of the US-Iran war has triggered a global energy crisis, with reports claiming that several fuel pumps have begun rationing petrol and diesel.

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Long queues have also been seen outside the LPG distribution centres in several areas across the country. However, the government has assured that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel and that gas supply is also being ensured for domestic consumers.

“I would like to request all of you not to believe in rumours. Please use petrol and diesel as per your needs. In the case of natural gas, 100% supply is being ensured for domestic consumers and CNG transport, while around 80% supply is being ensured for industries connected to the grid,” said Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma in a press briefing.

The ministry official further stated that the Government of India has taken several important steps in the last few days to ensure adequate energy stocks.

“As part of these measures, state governments have been written to for the expansion of the PNG network. In addition, central ministries have also been directed to support this effort. In this regard, I would like to inform you that several ministries have issued orders to facilitate the expansion of the PNG network,” she said.

‘2 LPG carriers crossed Strait of Hormuz, expected to arrive in India in next two days’

In a separate briefing, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Rajesh Kumar Sinha informed that two Indian vessels carrying LPG safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz.

These two vessels are expected to arrive in India in the next couple of days.

“On 28th March, two of our LPG carriers, the BW TYR and the BW ELM, successfully cleared the Strait of Hormuz and are now en route to Indian ports. The BW ELM is scheduled to report at Mumbai port tomorrow, while the BW TYR is expected to report at New Mangalore on April 1st,” said Sinha.

According to the Special Secretary, these two LPG carriers are carrying approximately 94,000 metric tons of LPG.

He further stated that 18 Indian vessels with 485 Indian seafarers are currently in the Persian Gulf.

“Currently, there are 18 Indian vessels in the Persian Gulf, carrying 485 Indian seafarers. All of them are safe, and no maritime incidents have been reported within the last 24 hours,” he added.