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New Delhi: On Saturday, the Petroleum Ministry announced new regulations that prevent consumers with piped natural gas (PNG) connections from acquiring or refilling domestic LPG cylinders, as per a revised supply order.

The Ministry's statement clarified that government oil marketing companies are also prohibited from providing new LPG connections or refilling services to those already connected to PNG.

This decision is part of the Union government's efforts to enhance LPG availability in light of recent global supply disruptions.

Additionally, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has urged consumers to refrain from storing fuel in unsuitable or loose containers due to potential safety hazards.

In a message shared on X, the Ministry reassured the public that petrol stations are well-stocked and there is no fuel shortage.

The Ministry stated, "Petrol and diesel are readily available at retail locations nationwide. Consumers should avoid storing fuel in loose or inappropriate containers, as this poses significant safety risks."

The MoPNG highlighted a concerning incident at a petrol station in Tamil Nadu where petrol was dispensed into a loose container, which is deemed unsafe. Consequently, the petrol station has been suspended, and necessary actions have been initiated.

As the second-largest LPG consumer globally, India relies on imports for nearly 90% of its LPG needs.

Previously, the Union government had also advised against panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG, emphasizing that sufficient stocks are present throughout the country.

No reports of fuel shortages have emerged from any of the one lakh retail outlets operated by oil marketing companies.

A senior official from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry confirmed that adequate supplies of petrol and diesel are consistently maintained, stating, "Currently, the country boasts a refining capacity of approximately 258 MMTPA, making it the fourth-largest refining hub worldwide."

Furthermore, the Union government enacted a Natural Gas Control Order on March 9 under the Essential Commodities Act, mandating a full supply of PNG and CNG without reductions.

The official reassured, "There is no cause for alarm. Supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are being regulated at around 80%."