The Petroleum Ministry, in an inter-ministerial briefing on Thursday, April 23, said that 8,483 tons of commercial LPG were sold yesterday, while over 8200 awareness camps saw 1.27 lakh 5 kg cylinders being sold. It also noted that 5.18 lakh new PNG connections saw the start of supply in the past two months, reflecting continued expansion of household energy access.The ministry emphasised that diesel and petrol supply at fuel stations remains adequate, adding that there has been no increase in petrol or diesel prices since April 6, 2022. It acknowledged instances of panic buying at fuel stations and urged citizens not to rely on rumours.
Despite volatility in global energy markets, LPG prices remain stable, the ministry said. It highlighted that international crude prices have been highly volatile, with the crude basket rising from $62 to $113 per barrel, but stressed that the Indian government has not raised retail fuel prices. Measures such as excise duty cuts and adjustments in windfall taxes (SAED) have been undertaken to ensure stable pricing and availability.
The ministry noted that LPG imports have been impacted, with dependence shifting towards domestic supply, altering the earlier 60:40 import-domestic mix. Domestic booking periods have increased, though adequate cargoes have been secured.It also said under-recoveries currently vary from about ₹20 per litre on petrol to nearly ₹100 per litre on diesel.On the operational front, the government said the HRRL report is awaited and that a committee is on the ground assessing the situation. It added that no Indian seafarer was onboard the vessel that was recently fired upon. Since the start of the conflict, 10 Indian-flagged vessels — including one crude oil tanker and nine LPG carriers — have reached Indian shores. India continues to remain in touch with Iranian authorities to ensure the safe movement of ships.At the same time, enforcement action is underway to curb hoarding and black-marketing, with over 68,000 cylinders seized so far. Authorities have once again urged consumers to avoid panic buying and assured uninterrupted fuel availability across the country.Earlier, the Ministry of Shipping stated that a total of 9 crude oil carriers and LPG vessels have arrived in India from the western side of the Strait of Hormuz till date. It added that no further incidents have been reported after April 18.
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