Amid reports of commercial LPG shortages being faced by hotels and restaurants across the country, the central government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to ensure uninterrupted supply of cooking gas to households. The move comes as authorities attempt to stabilise LPG availability and prevent panic in the market.
Officials said refineries and petrochemical plants have been directed to maximise LPG production by diverting key hydrocarbon streams into the LPG supply pool. The decision aims to strengthen domestic supply and maintain steady distribution of cooking gas across the country.
Government Directs Refineries to Increase LPG Production
Under the new directives, refineries and petrochemical facilities have been asked to prioritise LPG generation and divert critical hydrocarbon streams towards the LPG pool. This step is intended to increase the availability of LPG in the domestic market and prevent disruptions in household cooking gas supply.
Authorities believe that redirecting these resources will help maintain stable supplies even as demand increases due to global uncertainties affecting energy routes.
Natural Gas Supply Regulation Order 2026 Issued
The government has also introduced the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order 2026 to regulate the production and sector-wise allocation of natural gas across the country.
The order covers both liquefied natural gas and re-gasified LNG supplies and ensures that critical sectors receive priority access. According to the directive, sectors such as domestic PNG supply, CNG used for transport, LPG production units, fertiliser plants, pipeline compressor fuel requirements, tea industries and other key industrial users will receive priority allocation.
Implementation of the supply framework has been assigned to GAIL, which will coordinate with the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell to monitor gas distribution and ensure compliance with the allocation policy.
Booking Interval for LPG Refill Increased
To prevent hoarding and panic buying, the government has also increased the minimum waiting period for booking a domestic LPG refill from 21 days to 25 days. Officials said the measure was introduced after authorities observed a sudden surge in demand due to concerns about global supply disruptions.
According to government data, LPG bookings recently increased by nearly 15 to 20 percent as households rushed to secure additional cylinders amid fears linked to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Officials clarified that the decision was taken only to manage inventory efficiently and that there is no shortage of LPG supplies in the country.
Govt Says LPG Stock Adequate, Fuel Prices Stable
An official noted that an average Indian household typically consumes around seven to eight LPG cylinders of 14.2 kg annually, meaning most households do not require a refill in less than six weeks.
The government also indicated that petrol and diesel prices will remain unchanged for the time being. State-run oil marketing companies including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum are expected to absorb current cost pressures.
Officials said global oil markets are being closely monitored, but there is currently no immediate plan to increase retail fuel prices.
Meanwhile, Parliament was informed earlier this week that India has crude oil and petroleum product storage capacity sufficient for about 74 days. The reserve capacity is expected to help the country manage supply disruptions during geopolitical conflicts or global energy crises.
