The government has said that a 100 per cent supply of domestic PNG and CNG for transportation purposes has been ensured across the country. Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia held in New Delhi today, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma said that around 1 lakh 25 thousand domestic and commercial PNG connections have been issued within the span of two weeks. She said, over the last three days, more than 5,600 consumers have successfully switched to PNG.
Talking about Commercial LPG, she stated that allocation orders have been issued by about 17 state governments, and commercial LPG supplies have been provided to all states and union territories. Ms Sharma said that the centre has asked all state governments to extend cooperation in the expansion of PNG networks and has proposed providing an additional 10 per cent commercial LPG. Regarding curbing hoarding and black marketing, She said that the central government has written to all states to register its objection and ensure that such illicit activities are prevented. The Joint Secretary said that the situation regarding LPG is concerning, but there is no risk of a complete stockout. She added that online booking rates have risen to 94 percent and there has been a decline in panic bookings.
Joint Secretary (Gulf) for the External Affairs Ministry, Aseem Mahajan, said since 28 February, around 2 lakh 80 thousand passengers have returned from the region to India. He said that Airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations between the UAE and India. He said that special non-scheduled commercial flights are expected to operate from Dammam Airport to various destinations in the coming days. In view of the flight restrictions from Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq, the Government continues to facilitate the transit of stranded Indian nationals and, for emergency cases, via Saudi Arabia. He also informed that SAFESEA VISHNU- 15 Indian crew members who were safely rescued have left Iraq and are expected to return to India soon. He added that the government’s mission is also in touch with them and with the concerned Iraqi authorities to expedite the repatriation of the mortal remains of the Indian national who lost their life in the incident.
Special Secretary for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, said that all Indian ships in the Persian Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, remain safe with no reported incidents and 611 vessels are secure. He said, The Directorate General of Shipping is coordinating with ship owners, agencies and Indian missions. In the past 24 hours, its control room handled about 150 calls and 225 emails, while 16 Indian ships returned through coordinated efforts.
Special Secretary said that the Ministry is in close coordination with ports and maritime boards across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, with no adverse reports. He stated that Deendayal Port has added about 54 acres of storage with operational waivers, and ports are offering up to 50 per cent concessions to support cargo movement as the Ministry continues close monitoring to ensure seafarer safety and uninterrupted trade.
