As the shortage of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) continues to stress Indian markets, the oil ministry has increased the lock-in period or booking cycle to 45 days for the rural consumers as against 25 days earlier.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said, “The country has never seen such situation in past. Domestic supplies have been affected after the closure of Strait Of Hormuz.” She added that booking of cylinder will now be possible after 45 days for rural consumers.

She further mentioned that the country is importing LPG from multiple sources. Sharma added, “On the distribution side no dry out has happened, however, there has been many fold jump in booking number due to panic.”

The oil ministry also announced that oil marketing companies will now release some commercial cylinders in coordination with the state governments.

Additionally, the officials added that alternate fuel options are being activated to ease pressure on LPG and gas channels.

Union Minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri in Lok Sabha on March 12 said that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil in the country.

Further, oil ministry said that the country’s production of LPG has increased by 28% as of March 12 since the government passed orders to refineries to maximise their LPG production on March 5.