No LPG dry-outs in India, government urges people not to panic book cylinders

Several States and UTs, including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan, have issued orders for allocation of non-domestic LPG in line with government guidelines.

• No reports of LPG supply dry-outs at distributorships nationwide
• LPG bookings fell to 77 lakh from 88.8 lakh on March 13.
• LPG users urged to switch to piped natural gas

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The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Sunday said there have been no reports of gas supply dry-outs at LPG distributorships across the country, even as the government continues to monitor supplies closely.

In its latest update, the ministry said LPG bookings have declined in recent days. Around 77 lakh bookings were recorded on Saturday compared to 88.8 lakh bookings on March 13, 2026.

Several states and Union Territories, including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan, have issued orders for the allocation of non-domestic LPG in line with government guidelines.

The ministry said commercial LPG cylinders have been placed at the disposal of state governments for priority distribution and are now available to consumers in 30 states and Union Territories.

It also said there have been no reports of fuel dry-outs at retail outlets operated by Oil Marketing Companies, and supplies of petrol and diesel continue to be maintained across the country. However, the government urged citizens not to engage in panic buying.

“All refineries are operating at high capacity and maintaining adequate crude oil inventories. Our country remains self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel and, no imports of petrol and diesel are required to meet domestic demand,” the ministry said.

The government added that priority sectors continue to receive natural gas supplies, with 100% supply being maintained for PNG and CNG consumers. Supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are currently being regulated at around 80%.

Commercial LPG users in major cities have been encouraged to shift to piped natural gas connections and can apply through email, letter or the customer portals of City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas held a meeting with stakeholders on March 14, 2026, to review the status of PNG connections and the ongoing LPG-to-PNG conversion.

Meanwhile, state governments have begun enforcement drives to prevent hoarding and black marketing of fuel. Raids are being carried out in several states, including Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, to check the illegal storage and sale of LPG cylinders.

The government said it continues to prioritise the interests of domestic consumers and ensure uninterrupted LPG supply, particularly for households and priority sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

Domestic LPG production from refineries has been maximised and several supply- and demand-side measures have been implemented. An amendment to the LPG Control Order issued on March 14, 2026, requires consumers with PNG connections to surrender their domestic LPG connections and bars them from obtaining new LPG connections.

Booking intervals have also been rationalised to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas to ensure equitable distribution.

Additionally, an extra allocation of 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been provided to states and Union Territories to support alternate fuel needs. Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal are being used in certain sectors, including hospitality and restaurants, to reduce pressure on LPG supplies.

“PSU Oil Marketing Companies are promoting digital bookings, discouraging panic bookings and keeping LPG distributorships open on Sundays to facilitate smooth supply,” the ministry said.