India Increases Booking Interval for LPG Cylinders Amid War Situation in West Asia

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Parliament that in the context of the war situation in West Asia, the booking interval for LPG cylinders in rural and remote areas has been increased to 45 days. However, in the case of urban areas, this gap has been kept at 25 days. The minister said that the booking system has been regulated to prevent black-marketing of cooking gas. Initially, the rule was to book a second cylinder after 21 days of booking. Later, the time limit was increased to 25 days. At present, the same rule is in place in cities, but to book a second cylinder in rural areas, sources said. This decision has been taken so that there is a facility of various alternative fuels, including dry wood, in rural areas. He also told the Lok Sabha that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel and kerosene in the country. LPG is also in sufficient stock. He also assured that there is no reason to panic about the fuel. About 60 percent of India's total demand for LPG is imported from abroad, a large part of which comes through the Strait of Hormuz. On 28 March, the minister said that the situation has affected the country's LPG production, but he has been given instructions to increase the supply