Big update regarding gas cylinder, now there will be no shortage of LPG, government changed the entire strategy

Amidst the ongoing tension and war-like situation in West Asia (Middle East), the Government of India has taken a big decision regarding the kitchen of the common man. The government has made a major change in its years-old policy to secure the LPG supply. Now domestic and commercial gas consumers will not have to face shortage of cylinders, because India is no longer dependent on old fixed suppliers. The government has now decided to procure gas from countries across the world through ‘spot’ (immediate) purchase.

Gas ships coming from America and Norway

According to a report in Times of India, state-owned oil companies (OMCs) have booked additional cargoes of LPG from several countries, including the US, in recent weeks. These shipments are expected to reach India by June and July. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that earlier India was dependent on select countries for its LPG needs, but now the strategy has changed. The main objective of the government is to continue the supply of gas within the country without any interruption.

Daily consumption of 80,000 tons of gas and increasing production

The demand figure for gas in India is quite large. According to government data, about 80,000 tonnes of LPG is required daily in the country. The good thing is that domestic production within the country has also increased. Domestic production has been increased by about 20 percent to 46,000 tonnes per day. Still, to fill the gap that remains, new and safer routes of import have been explored.

Dependence on Gulf countries reduced, joined hands with new countries

There was a time when about 90 percent of India’s LPG supply came from Gulf countries like UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. But now in view of the increasing tension in West Asia, India has started purchasing on a large scale from America, Norway, Canada, Algeria and even Russia. The advantage of this is that even if tension increases in any one area, India’s gas supply will not be affected. The government said that the supply of about eight lakh tonnes of LPG has already been booked which is going to reach India soon.

Why is this news of relief for the general public?

Market experts believe that this new policy of ‘spot purchase’ will act as a shield in times of crisis. This will not only end the shortage of gas, but will also help in keeping the prices under control to some extent. The biggest relief for consumers is that there is little possibility of delay or shortage in cylinder delivery in the coming months. The government has made it clear that no matter how challenging the situation is, the heat in the country’s kitchen will not be allowed to subside.