Panic LPG bookings across India have strained supply chains. The Centre says there is no shortage but has asked states to manage commercial supply.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a serious warning about the surge in bookings and has taken several measures to control the situation. According to official data from the ministry, the number of LPG cylinder bookings has risen sharply in recent days.On March 11, bookings stood at 6.907 million. This increased to 7.57 million on March 12 and further jumped to 8.88 million on March 13. The data indicates a single-day increase of nearly 1.3 million bookings, putting significant pressure on the supply chain. The government clarified that there is no actual shortage of LPG cylinders in the country, but panic-driven bookings by consumers are straining the distribution system.In response, the Centre has now shifted part of the responsibility to state governments. States have been tasked with ensuring adequate LPG supply for commercial consumers, such as hotels and restaurants, and with monitoring distribution at the local levels. The ministry also expressed concern about the rise in black market sales of LPG cylinders. In the past 24 hours alone, authorities conducted raids at more than 1300 locations across the country to crack down on illegal sales.Officials further clarified that consumers who already have piped gas connections or domestic LPG cylinders will not be allowed to book additional commercial cylinders. The use of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes has been strictly prohibited.According to the ministry, the situation remains under control, but public cooperation is essential. Consumers have been urged not to book cylinders unnecessarily or stockpile them out of fear. The government also warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in selling cylinders at inflated prices on the black market.State governments have now been directed to take responsibility for enforcement. District collectors and local authorities have been instructed to monitor the situation closely, curb illegal sales, and ensure proper supply to commercial establishments.The ministry added that the situation may remain strained for a few more days but is expected to improve soon. Talks with Iran are reportedly underway, and LPG supplies through shipping routes are likely to increase shortly. The government has appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid panic booking, and use LPG responsibly while the supply system stabilises.
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Amid rising concerns over LPG cylinder shortage across the country, the central government has placed a major responsibility on state governments to help manage the situation and prevent supply disruptions.
