All fuel outlets operating normally, rapid rollout of PNG connections underway: Centre

The Centre on Thursday assured that petrol and diesel supplies remain stable across the country with all retail fuel outlets functioning normally and maintaining adequate stock levels to meet national demand reported news agency IANSThe government also announced an accelerated rollout of Piped Natural Gas PNG connections alongside a series of policy measures aimed at strengthening energy distribution and curbing malpractices reported IANSFuel Stations Fully Stocked Refineries Running at High CapacityAccording to official sources all fuel retail outlets are operating without disruption even as isolated instances of panic buying were reported in some regions due to rumours Authorities clarified that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel reported IANSAll refineries are currently functioning at high capacity supported by sufficient crude oil inventories ensuring uninterrupted supply across the countryFull Supply for Domestic Gas Controlled Distribution for IndustryThe government confirmed that domestic supply of PNG and Compressed Natural Gas CNG remains at 100 per cent to meet household and transport needs reported IANSAt the same time supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the gas grid is being maintained at around 80 per cent of their average consumption This calibrated distribution aims to balance economic activity while prioritising essential usageNew Policy Framework to Accelerate PNG ExpansionThe Centre has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order 2026 which introduces a streamlined and timebound framework for expanding pipeline infrastructure nationwide reported IANSThe move is expected to fasttrack PNG network growth and address longstanding challenges such as delays in land access for pipeline installationIn a significant milestone over 9000 new PNG connections were provided in a single day across more than 110 geographical areas reflecting the pace of expansionIncentives and FastTrack Approvals for Gas InfrastructurePublic sector entities such as Indraprastha Gas Limited and GAIL have introduced incentives to encourage faster adoption of PNG connectionsIn Delhi the Delhi Development Authority has permitted roundtheclock pipeline laying and waived road restoration charges to facilitate quicker execution reported IANSAdditionally the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation has been directed to clear City Gas Distribution applications within 10 days The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has also mandated priority connections for institutions such as residential schools hostels and community kitchens within five daysCrackdown on LPG Malpractices Increased AllocationsTo ensure equitable distribution of cooking fuel the government has increased commercial LPG allocation to 50 per cent for States and Union Territories prioritising essential sectors like restaurants roadside eateries and hotels reported IANSAn additional 10 per cent allocation has been linked to statesrsquo progress in shifting consumers from LPG to PNGUnder the Essential Commodities Act enforcement agencies conducted over 2700 raids in a single day seizing around 2000 cylinders So far more than 650 FIRs have been registered and 155 individuals arrested in connection with illegal activities reported IANSAdditional Measures to Ease Energy DemandTo reduce pressure on LPG demand the Centre has allocated an additional 48000 kilolitres of kerosene to states The Union Ministry of Coal has also increased coal supply to small and medium consumers offering alternative energy sources reported IANSCabinet Clears Infrastructure and Immigration ProjectsSeparately the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the continuation of the Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration and Tracking IVFRT Scheme for another five years beyond March 31 2026 with a financial outlay of Rs 1800 crore reported IANSThe government also announced plans to develop 100 new airports under a challengebased model and construct 200 modern helipads as part of the Modified UDAN scheme aimed at boosting regional connectivityWith inputs from IANS