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

New Delhi: The Centre has assured that petrol pumps across the country are functioning normally with adequate fuel stocks, while efforts are being intensified to expand Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections nationwide.

According to the government, all refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude inventories. Although panic buying was reported in some areas due to rumours, authorities confirmed that retail fuel outlets are fully operational and capable of meeting national demand.

The government is also maintaining 100 per cent supply for domestic PNG and CNG transport. However, supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid is currently being maintained at around 80 per cent of average consumption to ensure continuity of economic activity.

To accelerate infrastructure expansion, the Centre has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, which introduces a streamlined and time-bound framework for nationwide pipeline rollout and aims to minimise land access delays.

A single-day record of 9,046 new PNG connections was achieved across more than 110 geographical areas. Companies such as Indraprastha Gas Limited and GAIL are offering incentives to boost adoption. Meanwhile, the Delhi Development Authority has allowed round-the-clock pipeline laying and waived road restoration charges in the national capital.

The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation has been instructed to clear CGD applications within 10 days, while the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has directed priority PNG connections for residential schools, hostels and community kitchens within five days.

Commercial LPG allocation to States and Union Territories has been increased to 50 per cent, prioritising essential sectors such as restaurants, dhabas and hotels. An additional 10 per cent allocation has also been linked to progress in shifting consumers from LPG to PNG.

Under the Essential Commodities Act, authorities conducted over 2,700 raids in a single day, seizing around 2,000 cylinders. So far, more than 650 FIRs have been registered and 155 individuals arrested for malpractice.

To reduce LPG demand, an extra 48,000 KL of kerosene has been allocated to states, while the Ministry of Coal has increased allotments to small and medium consumers to provide alternative fuel options.

Separately, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the continuation of the Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking Scheme beyond March 31, 2026, for five years with a budget of Rs 1,800 crore.

The government also announced that 100 new airports will be developed under the challenge mode and 200 modern helipads will be built under the UDAN Scheme.

With inputs from IANS