New Delhi, March 17. Amidst the oil and gas crisis prevailing in many countries of the world due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Central Government informed on Tuesday that India has started importing LPG from many countries including America. In this sequence, the supply in the country remains normal and there has been no report of gas shortage from any LPG distributor.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Marketing and Oil Refinery, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said during a press briefing that most of the LPG is coming from Gulf countries. He said, ‘Our oil companies have started purchasing LPG from America. The government is also making every possible effort to diversify the sources of LPG.

Oil companies have started purchasing LPG from America

Sujata Sharma said, ‘Today we are getting more crude oil due to increased diversification. Commercial LPG supplies have also been partially restored with states resuming distribution operations. To reduce the pressure on domestic LPG demand, the use of alternative fuels like kerosene and coal has also been started.

Consumers urged to avoid hoarding and black marketing purchases

He told that due to panic the increased demand is decreasing and a decline in bookings is being seen. On March 13, 89 lakh bookings were recorded, which have come down to 70 lakh today. He said LPG refill delivery rates are the same as before the conflict and urged consumers to avoid hoarding and black marketing.

Fuel availability stable, refineries running at full capacity

According to the ministry, fuel availability remains stable, refineries are running at full capacity and there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel. Sharma said, ‘There is no shortage of fuel with any LPG distributor and supply to consumers is continuing smoothly. Also, the increasing trend towards digital platforms has led to improvement in bookings.

LPG tanker ‘Nanda Devi’ reaches Vadinar port in Gujarat

Meanwhile, Indian-flagged LPG tanker ‘Nanda Devi’ arrived at Vadinar port in Gujarat on Tuesday, becoming the second LPG carrier to reach the west coast this week. A day before this, ‘Shivalik’ had reached Mundra port. Both the ships were delivering vital LPG supplies to India after taking the extremely risky route through the Strait of Hormuz.