LPG production up 40% amid full-capacity refinery operations: Govt

Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG)

Refineries across the country are currently operating at their highest capacity to meet the rising demand, said a senior government official on Friday.

Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia on Friday, noted that LPG production has increased by 40 per cent, reflecting efforts to boost domestic supply and ease pressure on distribution.

Highlighting outreach and infrastructure expansion, Sharma said around 13,700 piped natural gas (PNG) connections have been provided across the top 15 geographical areas. At the same time, digital adoption has surged, with online LPG bookings rising to 93 per cent, streamlining access for consumers.

On the commercial side, approximately 11,300 tonnes of LPG have been supplied to consumers so far, indicating steady distribution despite logistical challenges.

To curb irregularities and ensure fair distribution, authorities conducted nearly 4,500 raids across India on Thursday, Sharma said.

However, she acknowledged that LPG availability remains a concern in certain pockets. While LPG continues to be an area of concern, regular supplies have been maintained, Sharma said, adding that efforts are ongoing to stabilise the situation nationwide.

"Around 7,500 consumers have shifted from LPG to PNG. The situation is still worrying due to the war, but no dry out has been reported at our distributors. Delivery is being done through authentication code. There is a significant reduction in panic booking and yesterday we received about 55 lakh refill booking requests. Delivery of LPG cylinders is normal," she said.

At the same briefing, Rajesh Sinha, special secretary in the ministry of shipping, said all 22 vessels located west of the Strait of Hormuz are safe. He added that 25 seafarers have returned to India in the past 24 hours, and no congestion has been reported at any ports.

"There has been no report of any maritime incident in the last 24 hours. All our 22 ships and 611 Indian sailors in the Persian Gulf region are safe and we are continuously monitoring them," he said.