Government Firmly Denies Any Changes to LPG Refill Booking Timelines
The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has issued a strong clarification, refuting circulating news reports and social media posts that suggested revised timelines for booking LPG refills. In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry emphasized that the existing refill booking schedules remain completely unchanged and continue to be in effect without any modifications.
Clarification on False Claims and Existing Timelines
It has come to the government's attention that certain sources are spreading misinformation, claiming new booking periods such as 45 days for PMUY connections, 25 days for non-PMUY single bottle connections, and 35 days for non-PMUY double bottle connections. The Ministry categorically stated that no such changes have been implemented. The current timelines, which are 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas, irrespective of connection type, remain firmly in place.
Citizens are strongly advised not to believe or circulate such false information and to avoid unnecessary or panic booking of LPG refills. The Ministry reiterated that adequate LPG stocks are available across the country, and there is absolutely no cause for concern regarding supply shortages.
Assurances on Fuel Supply and Refinery Operations
Earlier on Tuesday, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, provided further assurances during an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia. She confirmed that India has sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel, with all refineries operating at high capacity and maintaining adequate crude inventories.
Sharma addressed reports of supply disruptions stemming from localized incidents of misinformation, noting that some cases of rumour mongering led to observed panic buying in specific areas. She clarified that oil marketing companies and state officials have already issued necessary clarifications to the public. "In this regard, I request the citizens to not trust rumours and avoid panic buying. We have more than 1 lakh retail outlets and there is normal operation on all the retail outlets," she stated.
Expansion of PNG Connections and LPG Sector Updates
The briefing also highlighted efforts to expand Piped Natural Gas connections. Sharma informed that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has directed all City Gas Distribution entities to provide PNG connections to residential schools, colleges, hostels, community kitchens, Anganwadi kitchens, and similar facilities within five days where pipeline infrastructure is available nearby.
She noted that approximately 7,500 domestic and commercial connections were provided in a single day across 110 geographical areas, with an estimated 60 lakh households eligible for PNG connections. "And all these people have been requested and appealed to take PNG connection as soon as possible," she added.
Regarding the LPG sector, Sharma acknowledged that geopolitical situations have impacted supply but confirmed that several cargoes are already lined up. She stated that no dry outs have been reported at LPG distributorships, and although some panic booking was observed, deliveries proceeded normally.
Government Measures to Ensure Stability
On March 21, the government increased the allocation of commercial LPG to about 50% of the requirement, prioritizing essential sectors such as restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, the food processing industry, dairy, subsidized canteens, and outlets run by state governments and local bodies for food, community kitchens, and migrant labour.
Under the Ujjwala scheme, 11 lakh connections were provided to migrant labourers, with 20,000 small 5 kg cylinders distributed in a single day. To maintain market stability, the Centre has requested state governments to enhance enforcement against illegal activities.
In about 32 states, control rooms and district-level monitoring committees have been established. Under enforcement actions, approximately 3,400 raids were conducted, resulting in the seizure of about 1,000 cylinders, with raids carried out in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
Additionally, oil marketing companies conducted around 1,500 surprise inspections. Till yesterday, about 642 FIRs have been filed, 155 people arrested, and show-cause notices issued to approximately 250 distributors, with some suspensions enforced.
Sharma concluded by reiterating her appeal: "Finally, I would like to reiterate my point and request everyone not to believe in rumours. There are sufficient stocks available. There is sufficient supply of petrol and diesel."
