In a boost to domestic energy supplies amid turmoil in West Asia, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers safely crossed the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz early Saturday and are now on their way to ports in Gujarat state.Liquefied petroleum gas tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi The two tankers are heading to Mundra and Kandla respectively, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, said in a press conference.
Indian ships Shivalik and Nanda Devi sail through Hormuz and head to Gujarat ports amid LPG crisis
He said the ships carry a combined 92,700 tons of LPG and are expected to dock in Indian ports on March 16 or 17.The two ships were among 24 ships stranded on the western side of the strategic waterway since the outbreak of war in the region.
Gasoline and diesel stocks are sufficient
India has enough gasoline and diesel and refineries are operating at full capacity despite conflict-related disruptions in West Asia, a senior Petroleum Ministry official said, urging consumers to avoid panicked seizures of LPG cylinders.The country currently has sufficient supply of crude oil and domestic production meets fuel requirements, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Marketing and Petroleum Refining, said at an inter-ministerial press conference.
She added: “With regard to crude oil and refineries, we have adequate supplies of crude oil and our refineries are operating at full capacity. There have been no reports of any drought at retail outlets. There is also enough gasoline and diesel available.”She added that India does not need to import petrol and diesel at the present time. “We produce enough petrol and diesel in the country as per our needs and hence there is no need to import them,” Sharma said.
LPG supply under control, PNG payment for commercial users
While domestic fuel supplies remain stable, the official expressed concerns about the availability of cooking gas amid the prevailing geopolitical situation.“Regarding LPG supply, I would say it remains a matter of concern for us in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation. However, no drought has been reported,” she said.The government is encouraging commercial consumers facing supply disruptions to switch to piped natural gas (PNG).
In this context, the Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has held meetings with gas distribution operators in the city to facilitate spot Papua New Guinea communications wherever possible.“There was a huge discussion on commercial cylinders, after which it was decided to make some LPG available to commercial consumers as well,” Sharma said, adding that distribution has begun in around 29 states and union territories.
Panic seizures rise and the government appeals for restraint
Sharma also noted a sharp increase in LPG bookings, describing the trend as panic-driven.“Panic booking is still happening on a very large scale. We reported to you yesterday that the number of bookings was around 7.5-7.6 million, and now that number has risen to almost 8.8 million. So this is nothing but panic booking,” she said.Appealing for restraint, she urged consumers to place orders only when needed. “I would like to appeal to the citizens of the country to avoid panic booking and make bookings only when there is an actual need. This will be beneficial for everyone,” Sharma added.Highlighting the progress in digital adoption, the official said that most LPG bookings are already done online. “Currently the online booking rate is about 84 per cent, but it needs to improve to closer to 100 per cent,” she said.(With inputs from agencies)