The Government has approved another 20 per cent allocation of commercial LPG to States, which would take the overall allocation to 50 per cent, including a 10 per cent allocation based on ease of doing business reforms for PNG expansion. This additional percentage of allocation shall be given on priority to sectors like restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, dairy, subsidised canteens and others run by State or local bodies.
In this regard, Secretary, Ministry for Petorleum and Natural Gas Neeraj Mittal has written to Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs saying that this allocation will be applicable from Monday. In the letter, He said that all commercial and industrial LPG consumers will have to register with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) before they can be eligible to be allotted any commercial LPG from the overall 50 percent allocation.
The government has assured citizens that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG, urging people not to panic as it strengthens response measures amid tensions in West Asia. In a statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that domestic LPG Production from refineries has been increased. The Ministry said, City Gas Distribution has been advised to prioritise PNG Connections for Commercial Establishments. Apart from this, Commercial LPG consumers in major cities and urban areas are advised to switch to PNG. The government has asked states to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing. The Ministry said that raids continue across states and UTs to check LPG hoarding and black marketing.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has said, it is closely monitoring shipping movements, port operations, safety of Indian seafarers and continuity of maritime trade. It said, all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours. The Ministry said that a total of 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region, and DG Shipping is monitoring the situation. It said, more than 500 Indian seafarers have already been brought back safely. Apart from this, 15 Indian crew members of MT Safesea Vishnu safely returned to India from Iraq.
The External Affairs Ministry said, the government is working to ensure the safety of Indians living in West Asia. It said, Indian missions are operating round the clock, helping citizens with travel, safety, and emergency support. The Ministry said, since late February, around 3.3 lakh people have returned to India from the region. It said, flights are continuing from several countries, though some routes have been adjusted due to airspace restrictions. Alternative travel arrangements are being made where needed.
