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New Delhi, March 10: The Government of India has invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply in India as the ongoing West Asia conflict puts pressure on global fuel supplies.
The government issued fresh directives to oil refineries and petrochemical companies. Officials asked them to increase LPG production and divert key hydrocarbon streams to the domestic LPG pool.
This move aims to protect household cooking gas supply and maintain energy security across the country.
Government Prioritizes LPG for Domestic Use
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has prioritized natural gas supply for essential sectors. The following sectors will receive the highest priority:
- Domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supply
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport
- LPG production
- Pipeline compressor fuel and operational requirements
These sectors will receive 100 percent of their average gas consumption from the past six months, depending on operational availability.
The government wants to ensure that households continue receiving cooking gas without interruption.
Fertilizer Plants to Receive 70% Gas Supply
The government has also set supply limits for fertilizer plants. These plants will receive 70 percent of their average gas consumption from the past six months.
This step will help maintain fertilizer production and support India’s agriculture sector.
Industrial Gas Supply Adjustments
Gas marketing companies must continue supplying gas to industrial and commercial users connected to the national gas grid. These consumers will receive 80 percent of their past six-month average gas consumption, depending on operational availability.
City Gas Distribution companies must follow the same rule for industrial and commercial customers connected to their networks.
The government wants to balance household needs and industrial demand.
Refineries to Reduce Gas Consumption
The government has also asked oil refineries to reduce their gas consumption. Refineries must limit their usage to around 65 percent of their past six-month average consumption, depending on operational feasibility.
This step will free more gas for domestic LPG production.
Gas Companies Must Share Supply Data
The government has ordered all gas companies to share supply information regularly.
This rule applies to:
- Producers
- Importers
- Transporters
- Marketers
- LNG and regasified LNG distributors
These companies must report details about production, imports, stock levels, supply, allocation, and consumption.
The government will monitor this data to manage fuel supply more effectively.
25-Day Booking Gap for LPG Cylinders
The government has introduced a 25-day gap between LPG refill bookings.
Consumers must wait at least 25 days before booking the next cylinder. This rule will prevent hoarding and reduce black marketing.
Officials say this step will improve fair distribution of LPG cylinders.
Government Focuses on Energy Security
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the decision comes after disruptions in global fuel supply due to the West Asia crisis.
The ministry asked refineries to increase LPG output and ensure that the extra supply goes directly to domestic consumers.
Officials said the government’s main goal is to protect household LPG supply and maintain energy security in India.
Stable LPG Supply for Households
Government officials assured citizens that these measures will help maintain stable LPG supply in India.
The government will continue monitoring fuel production and supply conditions. These steps will help prevent shortages and protect consumers from disruptions.
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