The Petroleum Ministry on Thursday clarified that India’s energy supply is completely secure and stable. The ministry further said that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG anywhere in the country. All retail shops are running normally and adequate supplies are available. The misinformation and panic-mongering are completely baseless.
The ministry said citizens are advised to trust only official sources and avoid spreading rumours. The government is committed to ensuring uninterrupted energy supply to every citizen.
The Center is giving priority to pipeline-bound natural gas (PNG), the Petroleum Ministry said on Wednesday, adding that adequate quantities of petrol and diesel are available and there is no change in fuel prices.
Addressing the inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted that the government is ensuring 100 per cent domestic supply of PNG and has issued a notification, streamlined and time bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines and developing natural gas infrastructure across the country.
Addressing concerns over shortage of LPG and fuel amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, he urged the public not to believe any rumors and avoid panic buying.
Sujata Sharma said, “Refineries are working at their full capacity. We have the capacity to refine 26 crore tonnes of crude oil per year. In the last two days, long queues have been seen outside retail shops and petrol pumps and people have resorted to panic buying. I want to assure the country that we have enough petrol and diesel. There is no shortage at petrol pumps or the terminals supplying petrol pumps. Do not believe in rumors and avoid panic buying. There has been no increase in the prices of diesel and petrol.”
He further said, “Domestic PNG connections are the priority of the government and 100 per cent supply is being made available to the consumers. 100 per cent CNG is also being made available to the consumers.”