Fuel Supply Stable Amid Hormuz Tensions, Government Urges No Panic Buying

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured that fuel supplies remain stable across India despite geopolitical disruptions impacting the Strait of Hormuz, with 100% supply of domestic LPG, PNG and CNG, and no reported dry-outs at distributorships, as of now. The government has confirmed this stability, advising citizens to avoid panic buying and rely on official information. The authorities have increased refinery output and LPG production, extended booking intervals to 25 days for urban and up to 45 days for rural areas, and prioritised supply for essential sectors. They have also promoted alternate fuels such as PNG, kerosene and electric cooking to manage demand. This move is part of the government's efforts to ensure energy security and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to promote self-reliance in the energy sector. The government's strategy also aligns with its goal to increase the use of cleaner fuels and reduce dependence on imported fuels. The market is likely to see increased demand for PNG and other alternate fuels, with major players in the energy sector expected to benefit from the government's initiatives. The funding for these initiatives is expected to come from the government's budget allocations for the energy sector. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has been working to expand the use of PNG and other cleaner fuels, with over 4.40 lakh new PNG connections activated and 4.88 lakh registrations since March, and the sale of over 14.3 lakh 5 kg LPG cylinders to migrant workers, as the government continues to monitor fuel supply and ensure smooth distribution across the country.