India secures LPG and LNG supplies via alternative routes; Centre directs states and UTs to crack down on fuel hoarding
TIRUCHIRAPPALLI (TN), March 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumours or panic in the wake of the LPG supply disruption caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, and urged that only verified information be disseminated.
The PM’s comments come in the wake of the commercial LPG short supply that has affected the hotel industry across the country and opposition criticism over the issue and also amidst fears of a possible shortage of or spurt in prices of petrol and diesel in the coming days.
Addressing a mega NDA poll rally here, the PM also slammed the DMK rule in Tamil Nadu and said that people wanted a government that worked for every family, and not just for one family.
“I would like to appeal to people, let us only spread correct, verified information,” he said, apparently referring to the LPG crisis triggered by the supply disruption due to the conflict between US-Israel and Iran that has affected the Gulf region.
The conflict has affected whole world’s energy supply chain, he said.
“There is no need to panic or pay attention to rumours,” he said.
“In any situation, we have seen how our government always puts interests of India above everything.” He said he was confident that as a nation, “we will navigate every situation successfully.”
Alt routes secured
Amid the reports of LNG shortage due to West Asia crisis, India has secured LPG and LNG supplies through alternative routes.
According to government officials, these LPG and LNG supplies from alternative locations are likely to reach the country soon.
Notably, Indian refiners have also increased domestic production of LPG by 10 per cent since the government directed oil companies to maximise cooking gas output.
Reliance Industries Ltd’s Jamnagar oil refining complex will maximise cooking gas LPG production.
“At a time when global energy markets are experiencing volatility, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential fuels for Indian households remains a national priority,” the firm said in a statement.
At the same time, natural gas produced from the KG D6 Basin will be diverted to support supply to priority sectors, in line with national energy priorities and government guidelines.
“Reliance Industries is taking proactive steps and in line with the Government guidelines, to maximise LPG production from our refining and petrochemicals complexes at Jamnagar — the world’s largest integrated refining hub. Our teams are working around the clock to optimise refinery operations and enhance LPG output so that supplies to the domestic market remain stable and reliable,” said the company.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that India is securing its energy needs by diversifying import sources beyond West Asia amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region, assuring citizens that domestic gas supplies remain stable.
Puri said India continues to receive energy imports through different sources and supply routes, ensuring stability in the country’s fuel availability despite the ongoing conflict in the region.
He added that the government has taken several steps to ensure that fuel supplies remain uninterrupted for households and key sectors. According to Puri, the government has ensured that domestic consumers continue to receive full supplies of CNG and PNG. Industries are also receiving around 70–80 per cent of their gas requirements despite the challenges created by the conflict.
The minister emphasised that the government remains committed to ensuring an uninterrupted supply of affordable energy for households across the country.
Action against hoarding
The Centre on Wednesday asked states and union territories to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing of fuel, even as it assured that India’s crude oil supplies remain secure despite tensions in the Middle East affecting global shipping routes.
The direction was issued during a meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan with Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police from all states and Union Territories to review the situation and ensure that fuel supplies remain smooth across the country.
Addressing a media briefing, Joint Secretary, C. Senthil Rajan, said the Centre has asked states to remain alert and take immediate steps to stop hoarding and black marketing of fuel.
“Each state has been asked to appoint an official spokesperson to communicate verified and regular updates to the public so that confusion and rumours can be avoided,” Rajan stated. (Agencies)
