LPG demand softens, bookings fall to 46-50 lakh, supply normal: Govt

Despite the decline in demand, the government assured that the domestic supply remains stable

ANI

New Delhi

LPG demand is expected to moderate during the summer season, with bookings already witnessing a decline, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said during an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia on Friday.

Sharma stated that LPG bookings have come down to the range of 46 lakh to 50 lakh, compared to levels of more than 50 lakh earlier, indicating a seasonal dip in demand.

"Summer, yes, LPG demand is expected to come down. Bookings have declined and now we are witnessing booking in the range of 46 lakh to 50 lakh, which was more than 50 lakh earlier," Sharma said.

Despite the decline in demand, the government assured that the domestic supply remains stable. Sharma said there have been no reports of LPG shortages at the distributor level, and deliveries continue as usual.

"Our domestic LPG supply, including petrol and diesel, is normal. There have been no reports of any dry-out of LPG at any distributor," Sharma said.

On production, she noted that domestic LPG output is fluctuating in the range of 46,000 to 50,000 MMT (million metric tons), indicating steady supply conditions to meet demand.

Sharma also highlighted that overall fuel availability remains adequate across the country. Petrol pumps are operating normally with sufficient availability of petrol and diesel, while refineries are functioning at optimal capacity. Crude oil stocks are also sufficient, ensuring an uninterrupted supply.

On the auto LPG segment, Sharma said that public sector oil marketing companies sold 177 tons per day in February, compared to approximately 296 tons per day in April. 

She added that certain states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan and West Bengal, are witnessing a rise in auto LPG sales.