The three state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) have been pulled up by the government for the reported shortages in fuel supplies, especially diesel and LPG, across the country. The OMCs have so far rubbished the claims on any short supply of petroleum products in the market.
At a meeting with the oil PSU chiefs on Tuesday, petroleum minister Murli Deora reviewed the supply and distribution of essential petroleum products in the country and issued instructions for ensuring adequate supplies in the coming festive season.
Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL were asked to clear the waiting list for new domestic cooking gas (LPG) connections in 60 days. Briefing the reporters on the outcome of the meeting, petroleum secretary, R S Pandey said, ?LPG connections will be available on demand and the wait time for LPG connections will not be allowed to exceed two months.?
The three oil firms had gone slow on issuing new LPG connections besides restricting the supplies of auto fuels in view of mounting losses. Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL were asked to liquidate the waitlist for new domestic gas connections in two months.
Chairman Sarthak Behuria agreed that the oil industry was forced to take some measures including supplying only costlier branded fuel at select petrol pumps and stopping new LPG connections to tide over huge revenue losses resulting from government?s decision not to raise petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene prices in line with cost.
?We have 6-7 lakh waitlist for new LPG connections and we have now placed orders to buy 10 lakh new LPG cylinders to liquidate it,? he said adding the consumers will get a choice to buy both normal and branded petrol and diesel at all retail outlets in the country.