Moreover, the government has tasked GAIL, in coordination with the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC), with implementing the natural gas supply regulation and ensuring adherence to the sector-wise allocation framework.In the meantime, the government has increased the minimum waiting period for booking a domestic LPG cylinder refill from 21 days to 25 days to prevent hoarding, as there were signs of panic buying taking place in the market amid the uncertainties due to the Iran war.Officials said that there is a sufficient supply of LPG available in the country, and the booking time for LPG cylinders has been increased as a measure to manage inventory effectively.The step has been taken as there was a surge in demand of 15 to 20 per cent due to panic booking, due to fears that supply would be disrupted because of the escalating war in the Middle East.Average households consume 7-8 LPG cylinders of 14.2 kg in a year and should normally not need a refill in less than 6 weeks, an official pointed out.A senior official said that petrol and diesel prices will not be increased for now. Oil marketing companies– Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum– are expected to absorb the current cost pressure for the time being. He said the government is closely monitoring global oil markets, but there is no immediate plan to raise retail fuel prices.Meanwhile, the Parliament was informed on Monday that India currently has a total capacity for storage of crude oil and petroleum products for 74 days, which can help to tide over disruptions in case of adverse situations such as geopolitical conflicts.
India invokes Essential Commodities Act to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply
