6,000 PNG Users Surrender LPG Amid Supply Disruptions

New Delhi, March 30: Amid supply chain disruptions linked to the Iran War, around 6,000 piped natural gas (PNG) consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG connections to improve availability for households without PNG access, according to the Petroleum Ministry.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Neeraj Mittal urged more eligible consumers to follow suit, highlighting the initiative as a citizen-driven effort to support equitable fuel distribution.

Despite global uncertainties, the government has maintained stable domestic supply. Over 54 lakh LPG refills were delivered till Saturday, with no reported shortages at distributorships. Online booking penetration has risen to 91%, reflecting improved access and demand management.

To curb diversion, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based distribution has increased significantly from 53% in February to 84% currently, strengthening transparency across the supply chain.

The government said all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while domestic LPG production has been ramped up. Petrol and diesel stocks remain sufficient, ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability nationwide.

Priority allocation continues, with 100% supply ensured for domestic PNG and CNG transport segments, while industrial and commercial consumers are receiving around 80% of their average consumption.

Enforcement measures have also intensified, with nearly 2,900 raids conducted to curb hoarding and black marketing, leading to the seizure of over 1,700 cylinders. Public sector oil marketing companies have issued more than 390 show-cause notices to distributors.

Additionally, retail fuel outlets remain fully operational, supported by a ₹10 per litre cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel to stabilise prices.