Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has announced on Friday that the commercial LPG (liquified petroleum gas) quota for Tamil Nadu has been increased to 70% of original levels with immediate effect.
In a press release, after a detailed review of the State’s fuel status, IOCL’s chairman A.S.Sahney assured the public that the supply of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel remains “absolutely comfortable” with refining capacities operating at near-full levels. He also stressed that domestic LPG remains the top priority, with Oil Marketing Companies currently meeting 100% of the State’s daily demand of nearly five lakh cylinders.
Though the waiting period of six to eight days persists in some areas, he said OMCs are putting their best efforts to reduce the waiting period. In response to reports of delays exceeding 20 days in some of Chennai’s suburbs, he said issues in these areas would be addressed by Saturday. However, essential sectors, including hospitals and educational institutions, are being provided with 100% of their requirements.
While the State government has conducted about 10,000 inspections, OMCs have executed more than 1,500 raids across Tamil Nadu, leading to strict actions against defaulting distributors. Underlining India’s resilience during the ongoing 40-day global conflict, he urged people not to resort to panic buying as the nation has adequate inventories. He also acknowledged that transit through certain maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz is now occurring at a “tricklish rate,” and added energy security remains the top priority.
