New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) More than 55,000 PNG connections have been gasified across 110 geographical areas in the last five days, the government said on Thursday, adding that over 4.3 lakh 5 kg FTL cylinders have been sold since March 23.

An additional 10 per cent allocation of commercial LPG has been offered to states/UTs, linked to the transition from LPG to PNG, with further allocations being recommended for reform-oriented states.

“At present, eight states/UTs are being provided with this additional allocation, and applications received from three other states are currently under consideration,” the Petroleum Ministry said in a statement.

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

All retail outlets are operating normally across the country.

“Regular retail prices for petrol and diesel are unchanged. There is an under recovery of Rs 24.40 per litre on petrol and Rs 104.99 per litre on diesel to PSU OMCs,” the ministry said.

The government has reiterated its advice to the public not to believe rumours and has requested state governments to disseminate accurate information through regular press briefings.

Moreover, priority allocation continues with 100 per cent supply to domestic PNG and CNG (transport).

“Supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid is maintained at around 80 per cent of average consumption. CGD entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels, and canteens,” said the statement.

Most of the states/UTs have issued orders to allocate the non-domestic LPG in line with the guidelines issued by the government. A total of 60,370 MT has been uplifted since March 14 by commercial entities in the states/UTs.

Supply to operating urea plants is steady at around 70–75 per cent of their last six-month average consumption. Additional LNG and RLNG supplies are being sourced to maintain pipeline operations, said the ministry.

–IANS

na/vd