Crude oil supplies remain adequate in India, refineries operating at full capacity: Govt

New Delhi, Mar 19 : The supply of crude oil remains adequate and refineries across the country are operating at full capacity, ensuring uninterrupted availability of petroleum products, the Government of India said today as the war in West Asia continues to rage, disrupting flow of petroleum products from that energy-rich region.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, also said the States are taking action against hoarding of LPG.

Petrol pumps are functioning normally with no reports of dry outs, while Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) supplies continue at 100 percent levels, she said while addressing a press conference here.

The government is urging commercial LPG consumers to shift to PNG through City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies, with incentives and expedited connections being offered in areas where pipeline networks are available, the official said.

To curb hoarding and black marketing, states have activated control rooms and intensified enforcement drives, while Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have stepped up inspections across regions.

The government further appealed to citizens to rely on official information, opt for home delivery services, and refrain from panic booking of fuel or LPG cylinders. (BVI)