LPG crisis: Centre urges households to stop panic-booking of cylinders

New Delhi: The Union government has urged domestic consumers to avoid panic-booking of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and switch to piped natural gas (PNG) wherever available, amid concerns about supply disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asian conflict.

Union Petroleum Ministry Secretary Sujatha Sharma said LPG bookings have risen sharply to around 75 lakh cylinders, compared to the usual daily demand of 50–55 lakh. Speaking at a daily joint press conference of the ministerial-level committee formed to monitor the impact of the conflict, she appealed to consumers not to hoard cylinders.

Sharma noted that a significant share of India’s LPG imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making supplies vulnerable to disruptions if tensions escalate in the region. To ease pressure on LPG availability, the ministry has advised consumers in areas with pipeline infrastructure to shift to PNG connections.

According to the ministry, India currently has about 1.5 crore domestic PNG consumers, and nearly 40 lakh LPG users could potentially switch to PNG where the facility exists.

The government also reviewed the supply of commercial LPG cylinders used by hotels, restaurants and other businesses. While there were earlier discussions about halting supplies to the commercial sector, the Centre has now asked state governments to decide how to prioritise distribution.

Sharma said states have been instructed to ensure adequate supply for domestic consumers while managing commercial demand based on local requirements. Several states have already initiated action against black marketing and hoarding of LPG cylinders.

The Centre reiterated that there is no immediate cause for panic and assured that measures are in place to maintain stable cooking gas supplies.