Govt urges dual users to surrender LPG, boosts PNG expansion; steps up action against fuel hoarding

The Centre on Thursday said it has intensified measures to curb hoarding and black marketing of fuel while maintaining that energy supplies and shipping operations remain stable despite tensions in West Asia. 

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said during an inter-ministerial briefing that states have activated control rooms and stepped up enforcement, including raids, to prevent malpractice. Oil marketing companies are also conducting inspections across the country. 

The Union government has asked states to allocate an additional 10% commercial LPG to support expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) networks. Consumers with both PNG and LPG connections have been advised to voluntarily surrender LPG connections while citizens have been urged to rely on official information, use home delivery, and avoid panic booking. 

Supplies remain adequate 

The government said crude supply remains sufficient, with refineries operating at full capacity. Petrol pumps are functioning normally, with no reports of shortages, while PNG and CNG supplies continue at 100%. 

Commercial LPG users are being encouraged to shift to PNG through city gas distribution (CGD) companies, with incentives and faster connections in areas where networks are available. 

Shipping operations unaffected 

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways, said all Indian vessels in the Persian Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, are safe, with no reported incidents involving the 611 ships currently in the region. 

The Directorate General of Shipping is coordinating with ship owners, agencies and Indian missions. Over the past 24 hours, its control room handled around 150 calls and 225 emails, while 16 Indian ships returned through coordinated efforts. 

The ministry is also working closely with ports and maritime boards across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, with no adverse reports so far. 

Key ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port, VO Chidambaranar Port, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Mundra Port and Deendayal Port have taken proactive steps to manage cargo flows. Deendayal Port has added about 54 acres of storage space and introduced operational waivers, while ports are offering concessions of up to 50% to support cargo movement. 

Diplomatic engagement continues 

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Crown Prince of Kuwait to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia. 

The Prime Minister condemned attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty and stressed the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides agreed on the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to maintain regional peace and stability. He also thanked the Kuwaiti leadership for its support in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community and conveyed greetings for the upcoming festival of Eid.