New Delhi, 19 March (H.S.): The Central government assured that LPG, PNG, and CNG supplies remain unperturbed nationwide despite West Asia conflict-induced LPG strains, with crude stocks ample, refineries at full throttle, and petrol pumps unstocked.
Petroleum Ministry Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma, at Thursday's inter-ministerial briefing, prioritized LPG/PNG consumers while confirming 100% domestic PNG/CNG continuity; incentivizing PNG expansion with 10% extra LPG for cooperative states. Recent weeks added 1.25 lakh connections, 5,600+ LPG-to-PNG shifts in three days, 94% online bookings, 83% Aadhaar-verified deliveries (5.7 million refills yesterday); 31 states' control rooms, 25 district-level, and ~600 raids nationwide seized cylinders, nabbing hoarders (UP: 1,000 seized, 17 FIRs; MP: 2,500 seized).
Ports, Shipping & Waterways Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha reported Gulf/Hormuz safe passage for 611 Indian vessels sans incident; Directorate General Shipping coordinates with owners, missions (150 calls, 225 emails handled; 16 ships returned). PM Modi discussed regional peace, Indian diaspora security with Kuwait Crown Prince, reiterating free Hormuz navigation primacy and diplomatic dialogue.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
