LPG bookings fall to 77 lakh; Indian crude tanker sails out of UAE’s Fujairah safely Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refill bookings have dropped to about 77 lakh from 88.8 lakh in the previous period, signaling a slight easing of panic buying. The government reiterated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas, with supplies remaining stable despite ongoing tensions in West Asia. Domestic refineries are operating at full capacity and maintaining sufficient crude oil inventories, ensuring the country remains self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production. Oil marketing companies reported no shortages at fuel retail outlets or LPG distributorships, and regular supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG are being maintained. An Indian-flagged crude tanker, the Jag Laadki, safely departed from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates after loading 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil. The vessel, which left at 10:30 a.m. IST, is en route to India with all crew members unharmed. Jag Laadki is the fourth Indian-flagged ship to exit the war zone unscathed. Earlier on March 14, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by conflict. The government’s daily update on the West Asia situation noted a rise in online LPG bookings to 87% from 84%, attributing the increase to campaigns by oil marketing companies promoting digital booking and discouraging panic purchases at physical dealerships. The decline in LPG bookings was highlighted, with 77 lakh recorded on March 15 compared to 88.8 lakh on March 13. The government emphasized its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply for households and priority sectors like hospitals and educational institutions.#strait_of_hormuz #indian_crude_tanker #fujairah #jag_laadki #shivalik
