Is the country running out of gas? Centre alleviates concerns amid west Asia crisis

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Central Government on Monday said that there is no shortage of gas in the country and uninterrupted supply of CNG and PNG is continuing to the consumers.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Department of Marketing and Refining, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said fuel pumps supplying CNG and domestic PNG connections are functioning normally.

"Supplies to both CNG users and PNG consumers are continuing in full swing. Authorities have also initiated enforcement action to prevent hoarding. Raids have been conducted in several states as part of the investigation into fuel storage and supply," he said.

The senior government official further stated that crude oil is also available in sufficient quantities. "All refineries are operating at full capacity. Our petrol pumps are operating normally. No shortages have been reported so far," he said.

Gas distribution companies have also launched incentive schemes for new PNG consumers. Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) announced free gas worth ₹500 for consumers who register for a PNG connection before March 31.

Meanwhile, LPG bookings have declined as consumer fears over domestic gas availability have eased, while raids are being conducted across states to check hoarding and black marketing.

Raids are being conducted across states to prevent hoarding and black marketing and 22 states and union territories have set up control rooms to monitor the situation.

The Ministry has requested consumers not to make panic bookings, use digital booking platforms and avoid unnecessary visits to LPG distributors.

The government will continue to prioritise the interests of domestic consumers and ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG, especially to households and priority sectors like hospitals and educational institutions, the ministry said in a statement.