Amid reports of unavailability of LPG from several centres, the government today advised domestic LPG consumers not to resort to panic booking or believe in misinformation.Joint Secretary in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, Sujata Sharma, said panic booking has been detected due to misinformation.She said domestic LPG production has increased by 25 per cent since March 8, when the government asked Indian refiners to step up. She added that the delivery time for cylinders is still the standard 2.5 days for domestic users, provided they follow the refill deadline of 25 days and not pre-book.Sharma said the price increase per cylinder has been 80 paisa because the government had absorbed the price shocks. In Delhi, the domestic LPG cylinder rate is Rs 913 after the increase of Rs 60. The Ujwala scheme rate for domestic cylinders is Rs 513.Sharma said rates in other neighbouring countries are much higher. She added that extra production of LPG production will be prioritised for domestic users and non-domestic essential services.Regarding eateries and commercial establishments, she said a committee of oil marketing company heads will assess requirements and dispense supplies based on criticality.The government had yesterday issued orders to regulate LPG and LNG supplies under Essential Commodities Act, 1955.Separately, the Home Secretary today met all Chief Secretaries and issued orders to prevent hoarding and black marketing.


