Pioneer in short
LPG distribution back on track
LPG refill bookings in India have declined to about 77 lakh from 88.8 lakh on March 13, 2026, suggesting some easing of panic buying, even as the government reassures that petrol, diesel, and cooking gas supplies remain stable despite the West Asia conflict. Online LPG bookings have risen to 87 per cent from 84 per cent, driven by campaigns by oil marketing companies promoting digital bookings and discouraging long queues at dealerships. All domestic refineries are operating at high capacity, maintaining adequate crude oil inventories, and the country remains self-sufficient in petrol and diesel, requiring no imports for domestic demand. Oil marketing companies report no shortages at fuel retail outlets or LPG distributorships. State governments in Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan have issued allocation orders for non-domestic LPG, while enforcement measures and raids are ongoing in states including Andhra Pradesh and Bihar to curb hoarding and black marketing. PSU oil marketing companies are also conducting surprise inspections and keeping LPG distributorships open on Sundays.
NHAI hikes FASTag annual pass rates
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Sunday announced an increase in its FASTag Annual Pass fee by INR 75, raising it to INR 3,075 for the 2026-27 financial year. Launched on August 15, 2025, the annual pass was introduced to provide financial relief to frequent highway commuters. The revised rate, effective April 1, is in line with the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. The pass is available to over 56 lakh users and is growing in popularity among private vehicle owners. Applicable to non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag, the pass can be availed at roughly 1,150 toll plazas on National Highways and National Expressways. It eliminates the need for frequent FASTag recharges, offering one-year validity.
Indians killed in Nepal bus crash
A passenger bus carrying Indian pilgrims veered off the road and plunged down a slope in central Nepal on Saturday, killing seven and injuring seven others, police said. The incident occurred in Gorkha District of Gandaki province. The microbus was returning from Manakamana Temple when it went off the road, according to local authorities. Suraj Aryal, chief of the District Traffic Police Office, Gorkha, said the deceased included two women and five men, all Indian nationals who had travelled to the temple for worship. District police chief Bharat Bahadur BK identified the victims as Muthu Kumar (58), Anamalik (58), Meenakshi (59), Sivagami (53), Vijayal (57), Meena (58), and Tamilarsi (60). Seven other passengers were injured and have been rescued.
