- Reports that OMCs might sell 10 kg LPG in 14.2 kg cylinders are dismissed as speculative by the Petroleum Ministry.
- Bookings for domestic cylinders have eased to nearly 50 lakh, with local supply meeting 50–60% of demand.
- Officials urge conservation and caution against rumours amid West Asia tensions affecting import
The reports of Indian oil marketing companies considering distributing 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinders with 10 kg of gas were rejected by petroleum ministry officials, as they termed such claims as “highly speculative”, according to a media report.
Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas, Sujata Sharma, turned down the rumour by saying, “There cannot be any comment or explanation to any speculation… please don't believe in rumours. This is highly speculative."
However, as per the report that cites refiners, a proposal was submitted to the government regarding this matter, and the decision is entirely up to the government.
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Sharma said that bookings for refilling domestic cylinders had eased to nearly 50 lakh, while supply continued as normal, the report mentions.
“The demand is being met through local supply to 50–60%, compared to about 40% earlier,” said Sharma, as domestic refiners have increased LPG production. Earlier, Sharma had cautioned that the LPG issue is worrisome and emphasised the need for conservation. The government has also issued advisories to encourage judicious use of LPG and prevent panic buying.
The conflict between the US and Iran has disrupted shipment routes through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting oil and gas imports globally. The government is taking measures to avoid a shortage in the cooking gas supply.
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India imports about 60% of its LPG needs, but imports have been drastically reduced because of the disruption. According to industry data, a few vessels were able to cross the strait last week, carrying volumes equivalent to roughly a day's national consumption.
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