The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that while the ongoing geopolitical situation has impacted Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply chains, the government is taking comprehensive measures to ensure uninterrupted availability across the country.
LPG Demand Surges, Supply Remains Stable
According to the ministry, online LPG cylinder bookings have witnessed a sharp 94% increase based on industry data. On Saturday alone, over 5.5 million LPG refills were delivered nationwide.
Despite the surge in demand:
- No shortage has been reported at LPG distributor levels
- Domestic LPG cylinder deliveries are continuing normally
- Around 64,000 units of 5 kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders were sold in a single day
Improved Transparency in LPG Delivery
To prevent malpractices and ensure transparency, the government has significantly increased Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based verification:
- DAC-based deliveries rose from 53% in February 2026 to 84% currently
Commercial LPG Supply Gradually Restored
The government has been progressively restoring commercial LPG supply:
- Earlier, 20% commercial LPG supply was resumed
- An additional 10% allocation was proposed to states/UTs linked to PNG (Piped Natural Gas) expansion
- On March 21, 2026, a further 20% allocation was approved, taking total supply to 50%
- On March 27, 2026, another 20% increase was sanctioned, raising supply to 70% of pre-crisis levels
Priority sectors for commercial LPG allocation include:
- Restaurants, dhabas, hotels
- Industrial canteens and food processing/dairy units
- Community kitchens and subsidized government outlets
- Migrant worker support schemes (5 kg FTL cylinders)
- Core industries such as steel, automobile, textiles, chemicals, and plastics
The ministry emphasized that industries requiring LPG for specialized heating processes, with no viable alternative like natural gas, will receive priority.
Kerosene Allocation Increased to Ease Demand
To reduce pressure on LPG demand:
- The government has allocated an additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to all states and Union Territories
- States have been asked to identify distribution points at the district level
- 17 states/UTs have already issued kerosene allocation orders
Strict Action Against Hoarding and Black Marketing
Under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000, state governments have been empowered to act against hoarding and black marketing.
Key enforcement actions include:
- Nearly 2,900 raids conducted across states/UTs
- Around 1,000 cylinders seized recently
- Over 1,200 surprise inspections by PSU oil marketing companies (OMCs)
- Around 480 show-cause notices issued to LPG distributors
States Asked to Strengthen Monitoring and Communication
The Centre has directed all states and Union Territories to:
- Conduct daily press briefings and issue public advisories
- Set up control rooms and helplines
- Actively counter fake news on social media
- Intensify enforcement drives at district levels
- Accelerate City Gas Distribution (CGD) and PNG expansion
Currently, 14 states/UTs are issuing daily press releases to keep citizens informed.
Government Prioritizes Domestic LPG, Hospitals and Institutions
Despite the challenging situation, the government has prioritized:
- Domestic LPG and PNG supply
- Hospitals and educational institutions
Additional measures include:
- Increasing refinery output
- Extending LPG booking intervals (21–25 days in urban areas, up to 45 days in rural areas)
- Promoting alternative fuels such as kerosene, coal, and electric cooking solutions
Public Advisory: Avoid Panic Booking, Use Digital Platforms
The government has urged citizens to avoid panic booking and unnecessary purchases.
Advisory for consumers:
- Use digital platforms for LPG booking
- Avoid visiting LPG distributors physically
- Consider alternative cooking options like PNG, induction, or electric cooktops
“The government is making every possible effort to ensure LPG availability. Citizens are advised to avoid panic booking and rely on official sources,” the ministry stated.
