Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 17: The Indian government has conducted 12,000 raids and seized over 15,000 LPG cylinders to prevent hoarding amid rumours of shortages, while asserting that LPG supply remains sufficient across the country.

Sujata Sharma, joint secretary of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry (Marketing and Oil Refinery), said that despite a surge in bookings due to panic buying, LPG availability continues to be adequate. On Monday alone, approximately 70,000 bookings were made driven by public concern. She urged consumers to avoid unnecessary bookings and consider alternative arrangements where possible.

Sharma highlighted that digital adoption remains strong, with nearly 94 per cent of domestic LPG bookings made online, and encouraged continued use of online platforms. She also noted that Delivery Authenticity Code (DAC) compliance has improved to 76 per cent.

Several states, including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Manipur, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand, have also allocated non-domestic LPG supplies for essential services.

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of Shipping, confirmed that all 22 vessels and Indian crew members in the Gulf region are safe, and 161 Indian nationals were repatriated in the last 24 hours.

On the supply front, the LPG carrier Nanda Devi arrived at Kandla Port on Tuesday morning, following the docking of Shivalik at Mundra Port on Monday. Cargo is being transferred from these large vessels to smaller ships for domestic distribution.

Amid disruptions in global energy markets due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, the government noted that India is sourcing LPG from multiple international channels, including the United States, to diversify supplies and ensure continued availability.