New Delhi, June 11 (IANS) About 1.49 crore domestic LPG cylinders were delivered in the last three days against bookings of around 1.40 crore cylinders as normal supply of cooking gas for households continues to be maintained across the country despite the supply chain disruptions due to the Middle East conflict, according to an update issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday.

No dry-outs have been reported from any LPG distributorship across the country, the statement said.

Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased to about 99 per cent, and delivery authentication code (DAC) based deliveries have been increased to about 96 per cent to prevent diversion at the distributor level. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer.

Around 9.42 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified since March this year, and infrastructure has been created for additional 3.12 Lakh connections, taking the total to 12.54 lakh connections with the Centre urging States and UTs to encourage migration of LPG consumers to PNG in areas with network availability. Further, about 9.44 lakh customers have been registered for new PNG connections.

Similarly, adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available at all petrol pumps across the country, although unusually high sales and heavy crowding have been observed at retail outlets in certain areas, the statement said.

The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices. However, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre.

Meanwhile, surprise inspections by the oil PSUs are also continuing to check hoarding and black marketing in petroleum products. Penalties have been imposed on 19 LPG distributorships for indiscipline during the last three days. Penalties have also been imposed on 14 retail outlets, and 461 retail outlets have been put under suspension for violation of market discipline guidelines.

Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG and to beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information. LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.

All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained. Local LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption, the statement added.

–IANS

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