New Delhi, 25 March (H.S.):

The government calmed nerves Wednesday amid West Asia unrest declaring petroleum supplies fully stable with robust stockpiles refineries humming at full capacity and roughly 260 million tonnes of crude oil on hand.

Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry (Marketing and Refineries) highlighted 250000 fresh PNG connections issued over the past 25 days alongside 220000 consumers switching from LPG and 250000 new applications. LPG deliveries remain steady with over 92% bookings online and normal dispatch despite rising demand she noted.

Commercial LPG allocations jumped 50% prioritizing hotels dhabas community kitchens and migrant workers with 22000 tonnes supplied and 30000 small cylinders distributed. Extra kerosene allotments support states as alternative fuel while CNG reaches 100% of transport consumers backed by incentives like Rs 500 free gas or waived security deposits.

Sharma announced intensified crackdowns seizing 2000 cylinders after raids at 2700 locations urging citizens to trust official updates and avoid panic buying. States received offers for 10% more commercial gas plus extra LPG while Delhi waived road restoration charges and greenlit 24x7 pipeline work.

A fresh gazette notification streamlines PNG applications nationwide slashing fees and approval timelines. With annual refining capacity at 260 million tonnes Sharma dismissed shortages at pumps and terminals calling for calm against recent panic queues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar