Amidst the ongoing tension in the Middle East, various rumors have been circulating for the last few days regarding the shortage of petrol, diesel and LPG in many parts of the country. Due to these rumours, long queues of vehicles and an atmosphere of panic among the people were seen at petrol pumps. But is there really a fuel crisis in the country? On this, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Refinery) of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has given a very relieving news while clarifying the situation. The government claims that India has enough stock and there is no need to panic.
Sujata Sharma clarified that the prices of crude oil in the international market have increased from $70 to beyond $100, but India has already made strong preparations for this. The government has so much stock of crude oil that there will be no interruption in supply for the next two months. All the refineries in the country are working at their full capacity or even more. The biggest thing is that an increase of about 40% has been registered in domestic LPG production.
Big decision regarding commercial gas supply
India imports about 90% of its LPG requirement through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently a center of tension. In view of this, the government has changed its strategy:
- Priority to domestic customers: First, the kitchen gas of the general public was made safe.
- Restoration of commercial supply: Initially commercial supply was stopped, which has now been gradually increased to 70%.
- attention of small traders: The government has ensured that dhabas, restaurants, hotels and industrial canteens do not face shortage of gas.
Relief to migrant laborers and industries
The government has taken care of every section of the society in this time of crisis. According to the ministry, 30,000 small (5 kg) cylinders have been distributed to migrant labourers. Apart from this, supplies to major industries like steel, automobile, textile and chemical are being given on priority basis so that the economic growth of the country does not stop.
India’s situation is better than neighboring countries
Sujata Sharma emphasized that while there is a huge shortage of fuel in many neighboring countries of India and the prices are skyrocketing, the government in India has not allowed the prices of petrol and diesel to increase.