The Indian government has assured citizens that LPG supply will normalize soon amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. Panic buying among consumers has started to decrease, with daily cylinder bookings dropping significantly across the country. Diplomatic efforts by India have resulted in Iran allowing safe passage for two major Indian gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. The Petroleum Ministry has clarified that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas reserves.
What is the current status of LPG ships?
- Two major Shipping Corporation of India gas tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are carrying approximately 92,700 metric tons of LPG.
- This huge shipment is equivalent to about 65 lakh domestic cooking gas cylinders.
- These ships have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are expected to arrive at Mundra Port on March 16 and Kandla Port on March 17.
- The safe passage was cleared after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held diplomatic talks with his Iranian counterpart.
- Currently, 22 other Indian ships remain stuck in the Persian Gulf, which include 6 LPG tankers, 1 LNG tanker, and 4 crude oil vessels.
What are the new rules for domestic LPG and PNG users?
- Under the newly notified LPG Amendment Order 2026, households that already have a Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection must surrender their domestic LPG connection immediately.
- Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are now legally restricted from providing LPG cylinder refills to users who have an active PNG connection.
- To further regulate supply, the booking gap for domestic cylinders has been fixed at 25 days for urban areas and 45 days for rural regions.
- Consumers have actively reduced panic buying, as daily gas bookings fell from 88.8 lakh on March 13 to 77 lakh on Saturday.
- Data reveals that 87 percent of LPG bookings are now being done through digital platforms.
How is the government acting against black marketing?
- The Petroleum and Home Ministries are working closely with state governments to prevent any hoarding of LPG cylinders.
- Local administration and police forces have intensified search operations and raids in states like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, and Odisha.
- In Uttar Pradesh alone, 20 FIRs have been registered and strict action has been initiated against 19 individuals.
- Oil companies conducted around 1,300 surprise inspections at various distributor agencies in a single day to maintain transparent supply.
- Domestic refineries have also stepped up their daily LPG production by 25 to 31 percent to ensure adequate reserves within the country.
