Amidst the shortage of LPG, the government has taken a significant step. Simultaneously, dismissing rumors circulating about petrol-diesel scarcity, people have been urged not to pay attention to them. The government is now emphasizing the promotion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and taking several steps to rapidly provide its connections. Furthermore, in homes where PNG facilities are available but not adopted, LPG supply may be discontinued. In this regard, the government has also issued an order.
25 Lakh New PNG Connections in 25 Days
According to Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, approximately 25 lakh new PNG connections have been provided in the last 25 days. Additionally, about 22 lakh consumers have switched from LPG to PNG, while 25 lakh new applications have also been received.
Clarity on LPG Supply Situation
The government has clarified that there is no shortage of LPG and its supply remains normal. Online booking is also running smoothly. So far, approximately 22,000 tons of commercial LPG have been made available to 26 states, including contributions from both state governments and Oil Marketing Companies. As a result of these efforts, about 30,000 cylinders were distributed on March 24.
Efforts to Reduce Dependence on LPG
The government’s objective is to expand the gas network and reduce reliance on a single fuel. Due to ongoing tensions in West Asia, supply has been affected, which is why PNG is being promoted. PNG reaches homes directly through pipelines, eliminating the need for repeated cylinder bookings and making it a more convenient option.
Government’s New Order
The government has stated that where PNG facilities are available, if a family does not adopt it, their LPG supply will be discontinued after three months. However, in places where pipelines are not feasible, LPG will continue to be supplied based on NOCs.
Furthermore, to promote kerosene as an alternative fuel, the government has provided additional allocations to several states. Orders for this have been issued in about 16 states and union territories.
The government and state administrations are also strictly cracking down on black marketing and hoarding. On March 24, approximately 2700 raids were conducted in various states, during which about 2000 cylinders were seized.
