Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption across the country fell by 17% in the first week of March. This impact was due to the ongoing war in West Asia. According to data from three state-owned companies with 90% market share, LPG consumption decreased compared to last year.
LPG consumption in March was 1.147 million tonnes, compared to 1.387 million tonnes in the same period last year. Consumption in March was 26.3% lower than in the first fortnight of February. On the other hand, demand for petrol and diesel increased. Petrol sales increased by 13.2% to 1.5 million tonnes, and diesel sales increased by 8.2% to 3.384 million tonnes.
Meanwhile, according to a LocalCircles survey, the shortage of commercial gas has led to higher food prices across the country. Due to the increased cost, 57% of restaurants and 54% of street vendors have increased the prices of their products in a week.
The central government stated that there is no shortage of domestic LPG. Supplies are normal. Strict action is underway against black marketing and hoarding. More than 12,000 raids have been conducted across the country so far. More than 15,000 cylinders have been seized. States have been directed to take strict action under the Essential Commodities Act.
To ease pressure on LPG supplies, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial consumers in urban areas are being encouraged to switch to PNG. States have been asked to expedite approvals for laying city gas distribution pipelines.With the strengthening of digital systems, online LPG booking has increased to nearly 94%. LPG production from refineries has increased by 38%.
https://www.bhaskar.com/g/business/news/fuel-prices-rise-lpg-consumption-drops-restaurants-vendors-increase-rates-137464060.html