LPG Crisis: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday said that consumers with piped natural gas (PNG) connections are now barred from retaining, obtaining, or refilling domestic LPG cylinders under a recently amended supply order.

The amendment also prohibits government oil companies from providing LPG connections or refills to consumers who already have PNG connections, Reuters reported.

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Imports Hit Lowest Since April 2023 Amid Strait Of Hormuz Closure

India, the world's second-largest LPG consumer, relies on imports for about 90 per cent of its needs. Shipments for the week starting March 9 are estimated at just 270,000 tons, the lowest since April 2023, after US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit route, according to Kpler data.

India Boosts LPG Production, Raises Prices Amid Supply Crunch

Oil Minister recently told Parliament that the government is seeking additional LPG cargoes from the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria and Russia, and is in talks with Iran to secure safe passage for India-bound vessels.

Refineries have been directed to boost output, increasing domestic production by 31 per cent. Retail prices were also raised for the first time in a year to help manage demand.

The government on March 7 raised the prices for its most widely used cooking gas for the first time in nearly a year. The price of a 14.2 kg cylinder was increased by 7 per cent to Rs 913.

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'No Shortage Of Oil': Govt

The government on Friday said that there is no shortage of oil in the country and that Domestic LPG production has been increased by 30 pc, ensuring an uninterrupted supply to households. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, "All our refineries are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher. The refineries hold adequate inventories of crude oil, and furthermore, supplies are being consistently maintained."

"There is no cause of panic. We urge consumers to rely only on information provided through official channels and resort to unnecessary panic," she added.


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