New Delhi, March 10: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured the public that there is no cause for panic regarding the availability of cooking gas and natural gas. In a statement issued Tuesday, the government declared that India is better prepared than at any other point in history to manage global energy disruptions. The announcement follows a period of uncertainty caused by the closure of key transit routes in the Middle East.
Government sources maintained that while a potential crisis existed initially, the situation has been neutralized through rapid diversification. By exploring non-traditional transit routes, the state has ensured that the majority of its energy imports now bypass the troubled Strait of Hormuz. “There was a crisis, but there is no crisis anymore,” a government source declared, emphasizing that supply chains from various other countries are now fully operational.
To manage domestic demand, the government has implemented a priority-based allocation system. Domestic households and the fertilizer industry are being given precedence to ensure food and energy security. The authorities affirmed that retail prices for petrol and diesel will remain unchanged, providing much-needed relief to consumers.
The newly formed three-member committee, featuring leadership from major oil marketing companies, has been tasked with mediating between the government and commercial establishments. This move follows reports of pre-booking surges that prompted the regulation of supplies. Officials clarified that the current refill cycle of 25 days is designed to maintain a steady flow of cylinders, ensuring that delivery wait times do not exceed the 2.5-day benchmark.
