As tensions remain high in West Asia, the government is trying to keep things steady at home. It has rolled out a series of steps to ensure energy supplies remain smooth, while also pushing households to shift towards piped natural gas (PNG).
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said steps are underway to boost PNG, with companies offering up to Rs 500 free gas and waiving security fees. The government is also encouraging households to shift from LPG to PNG wherever possible.
“Areas where PNG connections are available, such consumers will be intimated through a registered post. LPG consumers will be given 3 months window to shift to PNG,” Sharma said.
She explained the reason behind this push.
“Our import dependency of LPG is much higher compared to PNG. Hence, it is more logical to shift to PNG wherever possible.”
So far, around 2.2 lakh consumers have already shifted from LPG to PNG. To make things easier, road restoration charges in Delhi have been waived, and pipelines can now be laid round the clock.
To speed up expansion, the Delhi government has allowed 24×7 work for PNG-related projects. The process for applications has also been simplified through a recent notification.
“In the last 25 days alone, about 2.5 lakh new PNG connections have been given,” Sharma added.
NO SHORTAGE OF LPG, GOVT REASSURES
The government has also made it clear that there is no shortage of LPG in the country. Sujata Sharma said supply remains stable and there is no need to worry.
“No dry out in domestic LPG supply,” she said, adding, “Don’t fall for rumours. We have sufficient energy supplies.”
To curb black marketing, strict action is being taken. Around 2,700 raids were conducted across states yesterday, and nearly 2,000 cylinders were seized, said Sharma.
LPG SUPPLY AND BOOKING REMAIN STRONG
LPG demand continues to be high, with most consumers opting for online bookings. “Online booking is good,” Sharma noted, adding that around 92% of refill bookings are being made online.
The government has allocated commercial LPG across states to ensure steady supply.
“Approximately 26 states have allocated 22,000 tons of commercial LPG so far,” she said, adding that around 30,000 small 5-kg cylinders were distributed yesterday.
She also mentioned that additional kerosene allocations have been made as an alternative fuel option in several states and union territories.
GLOBAL TALKS CONTINUE
On the global front, discussions are ongoing as the situation in West Asia evolves. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump on March 24.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met the Iranian Ambassador and discussed the situation in the region.
For now, the government’s focus remains on maintaining supply and reducing dependence on imports, while ensuring households have access to reliable and affordable energy.
