New Delhi, 06 May (H.S.):

The Central Government stated on Wednesday that domestic cooking gas distribution remains normal nationwide, with no reports of dry-outs at any LPG distributor. The government noted that approximately 95% of gas cylinders are being delivered through the 'Delivery Authentication Code' system.

Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas addressed an inter-ministerial press briefing in New Delhi, stating that domestic LPG distribution is functioning normally with no reports of stock depletion. She informed that nearly 95% of gas cylinders are being delivered via the Delivery Authentication Code. Over the past two days, 87.28 lakh cylinders were delivered against 88.82 lakh bookings.

Sujata Sharma stated that amid the West Asia crisis, the government is making every possible effort to ensure 100% supply of domestic cooking gas to consumers, while guaranteeing 70% supply to commercial cylinder consumers.

The Joint Secretary revealed that gas supply has commenced for approximately 6.31 lakh new PNG connections, and infrastructure is ready for an additional 2.67 lakh connections. She noted that 6.93 lakh consumers have registered for PNG connections so far. Over 49,000 PNG consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG connections.

Sujata Sharma reported that approximately 15,900 tonnes of commercial LPG and 876 tonnes of auto LPG were sold over the past two days. Additionally, around 1.2 lakh 5-kg cylinders were sold. Since April 3, over 10,000 awareness camps have been organized, during which more than 1.84 lakh 5-kg cylinders have been sold. She added that operations and retail outlets are functioning normally.

Meanwhile, Director Opesh Kumar Sharma from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways stated that continuous coordination is being maintained with port authorities, shipping lines, the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarers' welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations. He confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels or foreign-flagged ships carrying Indian seafarers in the past 48 hours.

Opesh Kumar Sharma noted that the DG Shipping control room has handled 8,570 calls and over 18,732 emails since inception, including 156 calls and 668 emails in the last 48 hours. The ministry has also facilitated the safe return of over 2,999 seafarers from various Gulf locations, including 23 in the past 48 hours. Port operations remain normal across India with no congestion reported anywhere.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar