Village Gas Booking Now Every 45 Days Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Govt

• Gas booking in rural areas extended to once every 45 days; urban areas to 25 days from 21 days.
• Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma confirms no LPG shortage, attributes increased bookings to 'panic bookings'.
• India now imports 70% of oil via alternative routes, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, up from 55%.
• Commercial LPG prioritized for hospitals and educational institutions; domestic refineries operate at full capacity.
• Government advises temporary use of alternative fuels like biomass, kerosene, and coal for one month.