State-run oil marketing companies, supplying cooking gas to more than 274 million customers across the country, have strictly enforced the ‘one cylinder in 15 days’ norm to prevent panic buying of the fuel, while assuring uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) during the lockdown period. “There is absolutely no need of panic and kindly refrain from doing panic booking. We have introduced a system for refill booking only at a gap of 15 days from the last date of refill. So kindly abide by that,” said Sanjiv Singh, chairman of Indian Oil Corp (IOC), India biggest refiner and fuel retailer.
An executive of public sector Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), who requested anonymity, said the demand for LPG is has surged as people are indulging in panic buying. India is the world’s third largest fossil fuel consumer and depends hugely on imports to meets its energy needs. It imports more than 83% crude oil it processes.
An oil ministry official said that the government is keeping a close watch on the country’s fuel demand and supply situations and expects no disruptions due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
