NEW DELHI: The government has increased the booking gap for LPG cylinders from 21 days to 25 days in a bid to curb hoarding and black marketing, government sources said on Monday.
According to the sources, the decision was taken after authorities noticed that some consumers had started booking cylinders much earlier than usual.
“There were instances where people who earlier booked LPG cylinders after around 55 days had begun booking them within 15 days,” the sources said.
The government has also directed refineries to increase LPG production and prioritise domestic consumers over commercial connections.
“Domestic consumers will always remain a priority,” the sources said, adding that India is exploring additional LPG supply partnerships. Countries such as Algeria, Australia, Canada and Norway have reportedly shown interest in supplying LPG to India.
Meanwhile, petrol and diesel prices in the country are unlikely to increase unless crude oil prices cross USD 130 per barrel, the sources said.
They added that India currently has sufficient fuel stocks and there is no shortage of petrol or diesel at any fuel station across the country.
Officials further stated that efforts to source crude oil through routes other than the Strait of Hormuz have been accelerated.
India also has adequate reserves of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), the sources said, noting that the country is both a producer and exporter of ATF.
“India is better placed than many other countries in terms of fuel availability,” the sources added.
