New Delhi, 06 April (H.S):

The central government urged citizens to ignore social media rumors on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and fuel shortages, affirming sufficient domestic reserves and advising need-based purchases only.

Robust Supply Chain Details

Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma (Petroleum & Natural Gas Ministry) briefed at the National Media Centre that ~50 lakh cylinders sell daily, with 6.75 lakh small (5kg) units sold in the last 14 days. Sales hit 90,000 on April 4; no distributor reports stockouts. ~18 crore households received cylinders in five weeks.

Boosted Small Cylinder Push

To meet rising demand, 5kg cylinders now require only ID proof—no address verification. Awareness camps in 22 states (Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal) sold 6,700 units over two days. Online bookings peaked at 97%; 90% deliveries use OTP to curb diversion/black marketing. Distributors operate Sundays/holidays; commercial 19kg supply prioritized essentials (42 lakh in three weeks).

Import Mitigation Measures

West Asia conflicts impacted imports (major source), but extra cargoes secured timely. Domestic PNG/CNG 100% assured; fertilizer plants ramped to 90%. Export duties imposed; India's oil prices lowest regionally. Private OMCs stocked; public firms absorb demand surge. Hoarding/black market crackdown: 1 lakh raids, 52,000 cylinders seized, 220 arrests, 118 fines, 41 suspensions in 4-5 weeks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar