Panic LPG Bookings Drop to 57 Lakh; Govt Steps Up Crackdown, Pushes PNG Shift Amid West Asia Crisis

In a significant stabilisation signal amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, panic LPG bookings across the country have declined to around 57 lakh, as the Government of India intensified supply management, enforcement actions, and public communication efforts.

At a high-level inter-ministerial briefing held at the National Media Centre on Thursday, officials from key ministries outlined a coordinated strategy to ensure fuel availability, curb malpractices, and safeguard maritime and diaspora interests.

Fuel Supply Stable, No Shortages Reported

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reassured that:

• All refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude stocks
• No fuel dry-outs reported at petrol pumps or LPG distributorships
• Domestic LPG supply remains uninterrupted

Citizens have been strongly advised not to indulge in panic buying, with the government asserting that supply lines remain robust.

PNG Push Gains Momentum; Commercial Shift Underway

In a major policy push:

• CGD entities have been directed to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and canteens
• Over 5,600 commercial consumers have already shifted from LPG to PNG in recent days
• Companies like IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas, and BPCL are offering incentives and faster connection timelines

To accelerate the transition, the Centre has offered 10% additional commercial LPG allocation to States implementing key reforms, including:

• Deemed approvals for CGD projects
• “Dig and restore” mechanisms
• Reduced lease and permission charges
• State and district-level monitoring committees

Massive Crackdown: 6,000+ Raids, 11,000 Cylinders Seized

Enforcement agencies have launched an aggressive nationwide crackdown:

• Over 6,000 raids conducted
• More than 11,000 LPG cylinders seized
• FIRs and arrests reported in multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana

Additionally:

• PSU oil companies are conducting 2,000+ daily surprise inspections
• District Collectors and enforcement officials have been directed to carry out daily checks

States and UTs have been instructed to maintain zero tolerance against hoarding, black marketing, and diversion under strict legal provisions.

Strict Monitoring, Daily Briefings Mandated

To maintain transparency and prevent misinformation:

• States/UTs asked to conduct daily press briefings
• 31 States/UTs have set up control rooms
• 25 States/UTs have formed district monitoring committees
• Helplines are being operationalised for public assistance

Maritime Trade Stable Despite Hormuz Disruption

Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz:

• No congestion reported at Indian ports
• 22 Indian vessels with 611 seafarers remain safe in the Persian Gulf
• Over 488 Indian seafarers repatriated so far
• Ports like Mundra, JNPA, and Visakhapatnam have enhanced storage capacity