India Ensures Fuel Stability Amid West Asia Tensions; 8.9 Lakh 5-kg LPG Cylinders Sold Since March 23

The Government of India has stepped up measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply and curb panic amid the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.

At a high-level media briefing held at the National Media Centre, officials from multiple ministries outlined coordinated actions to maintain stability across LPG, petroleum, natural gas, and coal sectors.

Sharp Rise in 5-kg LPG Cylinder Distribution

To support vulnerable sections, especially migrant workers, the government has significantly expanded the supply of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders:

• 8.9 lakh 5-kg cylinders sold since March 23, 2026
• 1.1 lakh cylinders sold on April 7 alone, up from a February daily average of 77,000
• Around 1,600 awareness camps conducted in the last five days
• Over 14,000 cylinders sold through outreach drives

States have been given enhanced allocation to distribute these cylinders, particularly to migrant labourers.

Strict Monitoring and Enforcement

To prevent hoarding and black marketing:

• 4,000 raids conducted in a single day
• Over 56,000 LPG cylinders seized nationwide
• 1,770 show-cause notices issued to distributors
• 51 LPG distributorships suspended

State governments have activated control rooms and district monitoring committees under the Essential Commodities Act.

Domestic LPG Supply Remains Stable

Despite global pressures:

• No LPG “dry-outs” reported
• 53.5 lakh domestic cylinders delivered on April 7
• Online bookings now account for 95% of total
• DAC-based delivery authentication reaches 91%

Commercial LPG & Industrial Support

• Commercial LPG allocation raised to 70% of pre-crisis levels
• Key industries (pharma, food, steel, etc.) included under revised allocation
• Total 93,085 MT commercial LPG sold since March 14

Boost to PNG and Natural Gas Transition

The government is accelerating the shift to cleaner fuels:

• 17,100+ consumers surrendered LPG connections via MYPNGD platform
• 3.87 lakh PNG connections activated since March
• Fertilizer sector gas allocation to reach 95% of six-month average from April 9
• Additional gas supply to industries and CGD networks increased

Companies like IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas, and BPCL are offering incentives for PNG adoption.

Crude Supply and Retail Fuel Prices

• Refineries operating at high capacity with adequate crude stocks
• Petrol and diesel prices unchanged despite global surge
• Government reduced excise duty by ₹10/litre
• Export levies imposed to protect domestic availability

Kerosene and Alternate Fuel Measures

• Additional 48,000 KL kerosene allocated to states
• Distribution expanded even in previously kerosene-free regions
• Coal supply increased for small consumers to reduce LPG dependence

Public Advisory

The government urged citizens to:

• Avoid panic buying
• Use digital LPG booking platforms
• Shift to alternate fuels like PNG or electric cooking
• Rely only on official information sources

Bottom Line:
The Centre has adopted a multi-pronged strategy—enhancing supply, tightening enforcement, promoting alternate fuels, and maintaining price stability—to ensure energy security and public confidence during the ongoing global uncertainty.