Amidst the rumors spreading about gas shortage in the country, the Petroleum Ministry has given a big relief news. The government has clarified that there is sufficient stock of petrol, diesel and cooking gas in the country, and there is no need to panic at all. Meanwhile, the biggest relief is that two Indian ships carrying large consignments of LPG are safely heading towards India. The government has made a special appeal to the public not to be misled by rumors and avoid making advance booking of gas cylinders in panic.
In view of the current situation in West Asia, many ministries of the central government have started working together to provide great relief to the public. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Petroleum Ministry, clarified that the country’s oil refineries are working at their full capacity. The government has urged people not to fall victim to rumors and avoid advance booking of gas cylinders out of fear. Apart from this, the most relieving news is that two Indian ships are currently moving safely towards India. The government has reiterated its appeal to the public not to pay attention to any rumors and not to panic and make advance booking of gas cylinders.
According to official data, on a single day—March 13—a record 8.88 million (88.8 lakh) gas cylinders were booked; This figure is much more than the actual need. To stop this trend of panic booking, the government has changed the existing rules. Under the new rules, consumers living in urban areas will no longer be able to book another cylinder within 25 days of their previous booking, while for rural areas this waiting time has been fixed at 45 days. Apart from this, supply of commercial gas cylinders has also started in 29 states.
To prevent hoarding and black marketing of gas cylinders, surprise raids are being conducted in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Odisha. The government has clearly said that people should avoid crowding the gas distribution agencies and instead opt for online booking; Cylinders will be delivered directly to their doorstep. Meanwhile, in the Delhi-NCR region, the Pollution Control Board has given temporary permission for one month for the use of wood and biomass as fuel.
Two big ships carrying LPG leave for India
Rajesh K, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Sinha has confirmed that all Indian sailors currently present in the Persian Gulf region are safe. Two Indian ships named *Shivalik* and *Nanda Devi*, which are coming towards India with a huge consignment of LPG, are currently en route. These ships are expected to reach Mundra and Kandla ports by March 16-17. Ships delivering gas to ports are being given priority, and the government is in constant touch with countries such as Iran and the United States.
1,72,000 Indians return to their homeland
The Ministry of External Affairs has said that so far 1,72,000 passengers have returned safely to India. Apart from this, 253 sailors from Gulf countries have also been brought back. Giving information about the incident in Muscat, officials said that five Indian citizens have lost their lives there, while one person is still missing; The rescue operation to search for the missing person is currently underway.
Lastly, the Information Ministry has appealed to the public to avoid spreading or believing in fake news spreading on social media. Citizens are urged to rely only on information provided on government websites and avoid making panic bookings.
