Fuel Supplies Stable, 51.5 Lakh LPG Cylinders Delivered; Government Steps Up Monitoring

Amid evolving geopolitical developments impacting the Strait of Hormuz, the Government of India has assured that domestic LPG and fuel supplies remain stable, with over 51.5 lakh LPG cylinders delivered across the country on April 10 alone.

The update, issued by the Press Information Bureau, highlights a series of coordinated measures undertaken to ensure uninterrupted energy supply, strengthen monitoring, and support Indian nationals in the Gulf region.

Supply Chain Holding Steady

Despite global uncertainties, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed that:

• Domestic LPG deliveries remain normal with no reported shortages
• Online bookings have surged to 98%, improving efficiency
• DAC-based delivery authentication has reached 93%, curbing diversion
• Around 2,900 awareness camps were organised for 5 kg FTL cylinders in the last 8 days

Additionally, more than 26,000 PNG consumers have voluntarily surrendered LPG connections via the MYPNGD platform, easing demand pressure.

Maritime and Global Logistics Update

In a significant development, the India-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram carrying approximately 20,400 MT of LPG safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring continuity in critical fuel imports.

The government also confirmed that over 2,009 Indian seafarers have been repatriated from the Gulf region, including 81 in the last 24 hours, with Indian missions maintaining round-the-clock assistance.

Government Tightens Monitoring & Enforcement

To curb hoarding and black marketing:

• Over 3,400 enforcement raids were conducted nationwide on April 10
• PSU Oil Marketing Companies penalised 214 LPG distributors and suspended 55 distributorships
• States/UTs have activated control rooms and district monitoring committees

Authorities are acting under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000.

Industrial & Commercial Supply Measures

To maintain industrial continuity:

• Commercial LPG allocation increased to 70% of pre-crisis levels
• Key sectors like pharma, food, steel, agriculture, and packaging included under revised allocation norms
• Flexibility granted where LPG is a critical input and cannot be substituted with PNG

These measures aim to prevent supply-chain disruptions and ensure production continuity.

Public Advisory: Avoid Panic Buying

The government has issued a strong advisory urging citizens to:

• Avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG
• Use digital LPG booking platforms
• Opt for alternate fuels like PNG or electric/induction cooking
• Practice energy conservation

Coal & Alternate Fuel Push

To reduce pressure on LPG demand:

• The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India Limited and Singareni Collieries Company Limited to supply additional coal
• States have been advised to expand PNG connections for households and commercial users

Coordinated Centre–State Response

The Centre has intensified coordination with States/UTs through regular review meetings, emphasizing:

• Daily press briefings and public communication
• Crackdown on misinformation
• Increased inspections and enforcement drives
• Prioritised LPG distribution, especially for domestic users

Currently, 24 States/UTs are issuing regular public briefings to reassure citizens.

Bottom Line

Even as tensions in West Asia continue to evolve, India’s multi-layered response—spanning supply management, enforcement, and public outreach—has ensured stability in fuel availability, preventing disruption to households and key industries.