6,000 surrender LPG connections, easing gas shortage worry

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A major and positive initiative has been seen to increase the availability of LPG gas cylinders in the country and ensure its access to those in need. According to information provided by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, approximately 6,000 PNG customers across the country have voluntarily surrendered their LPG gas connections so far. This significant step will significantly facilitate the availability of LPG gas to those families whose homes do not yet have access to pipelined PNG gas.

Special appeal from Petroleum Secretary

Appreciating this public-friendly initiative, Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Neeraj Mittal shared a post on the social media platform 'X' and expressed his gratitude to the people. He said that till yesterday, around 6000 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections, for which they deserve special thanks. He also appealed to other PNG consumers across the country to join this campaign. The Secretary urged that those who have a PNG connection and are still using LPG can surrender their LPG connection today itself by visiting the 'MyPNGD.in' portal and join the group of noble citizens who are helping those without PNG.

There is no shortage in supply

The Ministry has clarified the situation regarding gas supply in the country. According to the Ministry, despite the global supply chain disruptions, there is no domestic gas shortage. On Saturday alone, more than 5.4 million LPG cylinders were successfully delivered across the country. No complaints of LPG shortages have been reported at any dealership across the country. Further simplifying the facilities, online LPG booking in the country has now reached 91 percent. Furthermore, to prevent fraud at the distributor level, the share of deliveries made through the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) has now increased to 84 percent, up from just 53 percent in February of this year.

Black marketers face action

Prioritizing the needs of gas consumers, the government has taken a very strict stance against those involved in hoarding and black marketing of LPG. A series of raids are being conducted against profiteers in several states and union territories. According to an official statement, so far, raids have been conducted at approximately 2,900 locations and more than 1,700 illegal cylinders have been seized. Public sector oil companies (OMCs) have also issued more than 390 show-cause notices to erring gas distributors.

Refineries are operating at full capacity

The Ministry has also assured that all refineries in the country are operating at full capacity. LPG production has been further increased to meet domestic consumption. Currently, 100% of the demand for PNG for domestic consumers and CNG for transport is being easily met, while industrial and commercial consumers are also being supplied 80% of their average consumption. The government has adequate reserves of crude oil as well as petrol and diesel. To provide relief to the general public, the government has already reduced the excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per liter, and all fuel outlets across the country are operating completely normally.