The government on Wednesday rejected reports suggesting changes in LPG refill booking timelines, saying the information being shared is false and misleading. The Center reaffirmed that the existing timelines “will remain unchanged and will continue to function within the current time frame”.The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas clarified that reports on social media claiming change in LPG refill booking timelines are false, adding that the suggested revised intervals: 45 days for PMUY connections, 25 days for single non-PMUY connections and 35 days for double cylinder non-PMUY connections have no basis. It further said that there is adequate LPG supply in the country and citizens have been assured that there is no need to panic.
Here’s what the government said:
“No such changes have been made. The existing refill booking timelines will remain unchanged and will remain under the existing system,” the ministry said.Currently, LPG refill booking follows a similar structure:
- 25 days in urban areas, and
- 45 days in rural areas, irrespective of connection type
It also urged citizens not to believe or disseminate such misinformation and avoid unnecessary or panic-induced LPG refill bookings.“It is reiterated that there is adequate LPG stock available in the country and there is no cause for concern,” the ministry said.Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corporation Limited has also allayed concerns over reports of change in timelines. The oil company said that “Reports claiming change in LPG refill booking timelines are incorrect. There is no change in the existing timelines (25 days in urban areas/45 days in rural areas), and LPG supply remains adequate across the country. Please rely only on official sources and avoid panic.”In its statement, the ministry also cautioned the public against spreading or believing such misinformation. It advised consumers to avoid unnecessary or panic-induced refill booking, reiterating that LPG stocks across the country are adequate and there is no cause for concern.
Fuel supply concerns arise amid Middle East crisis
As ongoing tensions in the Middle East region continue for the fourth week, concerns are rising over fuel supplies and prices in the country. Earlier this week, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, had said that the country has sufficient reserves of petroleum products. He said the refineries are operating at high operating levels with adequate raw materials.“All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate raw material. We have adequate stocks of petrol and diesel. Domestic production of LPG has been increased in the refineries,” he said.Sharma admitted that sporadic incidents of misinformation had led to confusion in some sectors, resulting in panic buying. He said such rumors had come to the notice of the ministry and were immediately addressed.He further said that around 7,500 domestic and commercial PNG connections were provided in a single day across 110 geographical areas. Highlighting the potential reach, he said around “60 lakh households where PNG connection can be provided” have been identified and eligible users have been encouraged to adopt PNG connection as soon as possible.