Songpi: April 12, 2026
India has stepped up the supply of smaller 5-kg LPG cylinders and accelerated the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG) connections to ensure fuel availability amid disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to an official statement.
More than 13 lakh 5-kg free trade LPG cylinders have been sold since March 23, with daily sales crossing one lakh units. The move aims to expand access for migrant workers and low-income households.
At the same time, over 4.24 lakh new PNG connections have been activated since March. Authorities said more than 30,000 consumers have voluntarily surrendered LPG connections as part of the transition to piped gas.
The six-week-long conflict in West Asia has disrupted global energy supplies. India depends on imports for nearly half of its crude oil, about 40 per cent of its natural gas, and 85–90 per cent of its LPG requirements — all of which have been affected to varying degrees.
While the country has managed to offset crude oil shortages by sourcing from alternative regions, LPG supplies have faced pressure. In response, the government has prioritised domestic LPG distribution, reducing allocations to commercial users such as hotels and restaurants.
To bridge the gap for consumers without subsidised LPG connections, authorities have increased the supply of market-priced 5-kg cylinders. Daily sales have risen significantly from about 77,000 units in February to over one lakh units in recent weeks.
Officials said domestic LPG availability remains stable overall, with no reported stockouts. More than 52 lakh cylinders were delivered on April 11 alone.
Digital systems have also strengthened distribution, with nearly 98 per cent of bookings now made online and delivery authentication covering 93 per cent of transactions to prevent diversion.
Commercial LPG availability has recovered to around 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels, supported by targeted supply measures. State-run oil companies — Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited — are working with state governments to streamline distribution.
The government has also prioritised natural gas allocation, ensuring uninterrupted supply for household PNG and CNG transport. Fertiliser plants are receiving about 95 per cent of their recent average gas consumption, supported by additional LNG imports.
City gas distributors, including Indraprastha Gas Limited, Mahanagar Gas Limited, and GAIL Gas Limited, have been directed to prioritise PNG connections for commercial users as part of efforts to reduce dependence on LPG.
Refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while domestic LPG production has been ramped up. To cushion consumers from rising global oil prices, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre and increased export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to maintain domestic availability.
