On Tuesday, the government assured the citizens that there is no shortage of fuel supplies in the country and that petrol and diesel stocks in the country are not low since there are more than 100,000 fuel stations in the country. The petroleum ministry officials defended the fact that there is no acuity of auto fuels and the supply chains are operating normally irrespective of the global uncertainties.
The distribution of LPG is being given a special consideration especially to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Over 110 million Ujjwala consumers such as migrant workers are getting unbroken access to cooking gas. In order to achieve this, the refineries have had to boost production of LPG, at the expense of the other petrochemical products.
One of the largest refining centers in the world, India is capable of changing its production according to the demand which is over 258 million tonnes per annum. Besides production within the country, the country still imports approximately 60 percent of its LPG needs in the foreign markets.
There are also continuous shipments pointed out by the officials as significant LPG carriers like MV Jag Vasant and MV pine Gas have already gone beyond the Strait of Hormuz and are most likely to arrive at the Indian ports soon. A number of additional deliveries is planned, which will add supply.
The government is also encouraging the use of piped natural gas (PNG) to reduce the pressure on the demand of LPG. The governments have instructed the city gas companies to increase links to residential facilities, hostels and community kitchens. As the millions of households which can be now provided with instant access to PNG, the shift is likely to promote energy security in the long run and decrease the reliance on LPG.