Online LPG bookings increased to about 94%,Over 12,000 raids conducted; 15,000+ LPG cylinders seized in crackdown on hoarding and black marketing

  Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia Commercial LPG consumers in urban areas encouraged to switch to PNG States ...

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Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia

Commercial LPG consumers in urban areas encouraged to switch to PNG

States and UTs requested to expedite approvals for laying CGD pipelines

States/UTs urged to continue strict action against black marketing and hoarding under Essential Commodities Act

Commercial LPG supply initiated in several States with support from State Governments

Citizens appealed to avoid panic bookings, and use digital modes for booking LPG Cylinder

LPG carrier Shivalik arrived yesterday; Nanda Devi reaches today, cargo discharge underway

 Around 130 Indian pilgrims who had crossed into Armenia expected to arrive today

Indian Missions functioning round-the-clock, providing assistance and support to Indian nationals across the region

New  Delhi.

Asal Baat news.

The inter-ministerial media briefing on developments in West Asia was held today at the National Media Centre. Such briefings are being conducted regularly to provide updates on the evolving situation. In today’s briefing, the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs, shared updates on fuel supplies, maritime operations, the status of Indian nationals in the region and public information efforts. Told that,current fuel supply position and measures to ensure continued availability of petroleum products and LPG.LPG supply continues to be monitored in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation.Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased by about 38%.

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas briefed on the current fuel supply position and measures to ensure continued availability of petroleum products and LPG, in view of the situation relating to the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry stated:

Crude and Refineries

• All refineries are operating at high capacity and maintaining adequate crude oil inventories. India remains self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production and no imports are required to meet domestic demand.

Retail Outlets

• No cases of fuel dry-outs have been reported at retail outlets by Oil Marketing Companies, and supplies of petrol and diesel continue to be maintained regularly.
• Citizens are advised not to resort to panic buying as adequate stocks are available.

Natural Gas

• Priority sectors continue to receive protected gas supplies, including 100 percent supply to PNG and CNG, while supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are being regulated at around 80 percent.
• Commercial LPG consumers in urban areas are encouraged to switch to PNG, and establishments such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals and hostels can obtain PNG connections from authorised City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities.
• CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections.
• The Government is expanding the CGD network and has requested States and UTs to expedite approvals and issue deemed permission for pending application for laying CGD pipelines, waive off road restoration and permission charges, relax working conditions and appoint nodal officers to support faster rollout.

LPG

• LPG supply continues to be monitored in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation.
• No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.
• Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased by about 38%.
• Online LPG bookings have increased to about 94%, while Delivery Authentication Code coverage has expanded from 53% before the crisis to about 76% to prevent diversion.
• Domestic LPG cylinder deliveries continue as normal.
• Several States and UTs such as Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand have issued orders for allocation of non-domestic LPG in line with Government guidelines, and commercial LPG supply is being made available across States and UTs.

Kerosene

• An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States and UTs, which have been requested to identify distribution points.
• Several States including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka have issued SKO allocation orders.

Meetings conducted by State Governments

• Under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000, States/UTs are empowered to take action against hoarding and black marketing.
• States/UTs are primarily responsible for monitoring and regulating the supply of Petrol, Diesel and LPG.
• Government of India, vide letter dated 13.03.2026, has asked Chief Secretaries to direct DMs/Collectors and enforcement agencies to conduct inspections and surprise checks.
• 27 States/UTs have set up control rooms and are also conducting press briefings.
• Several States/UTs, including Rajasthan, Telangana, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu, have set up District Level Monitoring Committees; others are requested to do so urgently.

Enforcement action

• Enforcement actions are being intensified to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG across the country.
• More than 12,000 raids have been conducted and over 15,000 cylinders seized, with major actions reported in Delhi, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
• PSU Oil Marketing Companies have conducted over 2,500 surprise inspections at retail outlets and LPG distributorships to ensure smooth supply and prevent irregularities.

Other Government Measures

• The Government’s highest priority remains ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply, particularly for households and priority sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.
• PNG consumers have been advised to surrender LPG connections under the LPG Control Order amendment dated 14 March 2026 to ease pressure on LPG supplies.
• Booking intervals have been revised to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas to ensure equitable distribution.
• Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to reduce pressure on LPG demand.
• PSU Oil Companies are promoting digital bookings and discouraging panic bookings, with improved adoption of online booking systems.
• Commercial LPG supply has been initiated in several States with support from State Governments.

Public Advisory

• Citizens are advised not to panic as adequate LPG supplies are being maintained for households and essential sectors.
• LPG cylinders can be booked through digital platforms such as IVRS, SMS, WhatsApp, mobile applications and e-commerce platforms.
• Citizens are appealed to avoid panic bookings, use digital modes and avoid unnecessary visits to LPG distributors.
• Consumers are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops and to conserve energy.
• Citizens are advised to rely on official sources for accurate information and avoid rumours.