The Union government today said no dry out has been reported at any LPG retail outlets or among the distribution network in the country. The government urged consumers that there is no need for panic booking and the government is doing its best to ensure supplies. 

That said, the government has imposed a 25-day minimum booking of LPG cylinders as a demand management measure in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas.

During a briefing of the inter-ministerial group monitoring the developments in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary, ministry of petroleum and natural gas today said, "We have a very large network of one lakh retail LPG outlets, and majority of them are with the public sector." 

"No dry out has been reported at any of the retail outlets. We also have 25,000 distributors. No dry out has been reported even at the distributor LPG supplies to the non-domestic sectors like hospitals and educational institutions have been prioritisedlevel," Sharma added. 

LPG supplies to hospitals and educational institutions have been prioritised

Sharma said LPG supplies to the non-domestic sectors like hospitals and educational institutions have been prioritised. "For the other commercial segments, a three-member committee has decided that LPG cylinders will be released to some additional sectors. But the state governments will have to play an important role on this. They will have to identify the beneficiaries," Sharma said. 

Sharma also said alternative fuel option is being explored. "One lakh kilo litre kerosene was being issued to the states. This is now being increased by an additional 48,000 kilo litre. 

"Today is the 13th day of the war in West Asia. And the Gulf of Hormuz is still shut for commercial shipping. 70% of imports is coming via alternative routes. Crude import situation comfortable," Sharma said. 

"We are the fourth-largest refinery in the world. This is giving us comforts in terms of availability of petrol and diesel," said 

It may be noted that the government had invoked Essential Services Act on 9^th March and directed the refineries to maximise LPG production. 

On being asked whether any understanding has been achieved with Iran to provide safe passage to the Indian flagged vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaswal today said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with his Iranian counterpart thrice. Jaswal said there is no additional information on this.