New Delhi, March 10: In response to global fuel supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have ramped up efforts to increase Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production, ensuring its availability for domestic consumers. A joint statement issued on Tuesday by Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation confirmed that the Ministry is focusing on boosting LPG production while securing stocks for domestic users and essential non-domestic sectors.

The statement emphasized, "Given the current disruptions in global fuel supplies and the constraints on LPG availability, the Ministry has directed an increase in LPG production, prioritizing supply for domestic customers. Additionally, steps have been taken to ensure LPG distribution to critical non-domestic sectors, including hospitals and educational institutions."

For non-domestic sectors, the OMCs have established a committee comprising three Executive Directors to review requests and prioritize LPG allocation. The statement explained, "Should any sector have essential requirements, they can submit their request via the official email IDs provided. However, as non-domestic LPG supply relies on the availability of imported products, the committee may not be able to accommodate all grievances. Requests will be reviewed based on product availability, merits, and appropriate decisions will be made accordingly."

Amid rising pressure on global fuel supplies, especially due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Union Government on Tuesday invoked the Essential Commodities Act (EC Act) to stabilize the domestic energy market. The Petroleum Ministry revealed that a control order has been issued, instructing refineries and petrochemical units to maximize LPG production and redirect key hydrocarbon streams to the LPG pool, ensuring an uninterrupted cooking gas supply throughout the country.

The Ministry also clarified that the invocation of the Act has established a clear priority system for natural gas distribution, managing the current supply constraints. Under this new directive, there is a guaranteed 100% supply of domestic piped gas for households and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles. Other sectors will be subject to regulated supply caps based on their average consumption over the past six months.