Domestic cooking gas distribution normal across the country: Centre

New Delhi, May 06: The central government on Wednesday said that domestic cooking gas distribution is normal across the country and there is no report of dry-out from any LPG distributor. The government said that about 95 percent of the gas cylinders are being distributed through ‘Delivery Authentication Code’.

Addressing an inter-ministerial press conference in New Delhi, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that domestic cooking gas (LPG) distribution remains normal, and there are no reports of stock out.

She said that about 95 percent of the gas cylinders are being distributed through ‘Delivery Authentication Code’. Also, about 87.28 lakh cylinders have been delivered against 88.82 lakh bookings in the last two days.

Sujata Sharma stated that the government is making every effort to ensure 100% supply of domestic cooking gas to consumers amid the West Asian crisis, and is ensuring up to 70% supply to consumers of commercial cylinders.

The Joint Secretary stated that gas supply has begun for approximately 631,000 new PNG connections, and infrastructure has been prepared for 267,000 additional connections. She stated that 693,000 consumers have registered for PNG connections so far. She added that more than 49,000 PNG consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG connections.

Sujata Sharma stated that approximately 15,900 tons of commercial LPG and 876 tons of auto LPG have been sold in the last two days. In addition, approximately 120,000 5-kg cylinders have also been sold. Meanwhile, more than 10,000 awareness camps have been held since April 3, during which over 1.84 lakh 5 kg cylinders have been sold. Sharma also stated that operations and retail outlets are operating normally.

Meanwhile, Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, stated that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is in constant coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and maritime sector stakeholders to ensure the welfare of seafarers and ensure uninterrupted maritime operations. He stated that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and that no incidents involving Indian-flagged ships or foreign-flagged ships carrying Indian seafarers have been reported in the past 48 hours.

Opesh Kumar Sharma said that the DG Shipping’s control room has handled 8,570 calls and over 18,732 emails since its inception. Of these, 156 calls and 668 emails have come in the last 48 hours. He said the ministry has also facilitated the safe return of over 2,999 seafarers from various locations in the Gulf region, 23 of whom have returned in the last 48 hours. Port operations across India remain normal, and there are no reports of congestion anywhere.