LPG shortage news Highlights: Govt asks households with piped gas to give up cylinders as panic buying continues

Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Tikaram Jully, on Sunday alleged that both the Central and state governments were disregarding public concerns, questioning why people were queuing for LPG cylinders if there was no shortage, as per PTI.

The Congress leader further claimed that the state government was acting as a 'puppet' of the Centre and accused both administrations of arbitrary decision-making. Speaking at a protest in Alwar over the alleged LPG shortage, Jully said the governments appeared more focused on “filling their coffers” than resolving the difficulties faced by citizens.

A day after the distribution of prasad at Varanasi’s Annapurna temple was disrupted due to an LPG shortage, district officials conducted a survey of the premises on Sunday to assess piped natural gas (PNG) connectivity and offered a gas connection, according to the temple’s mahant, according to PTI.

Mahant Shankar Puri Maharaj stated that the administration surveyed the temple and proposed providing a PNG connection to ensure smooth operations.

"After the PNG connection, there will be stability in the gas supply and dependency on cylinders will end," he said.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday criticised the BJP-led Centre, alleging that the country is facing the LPG crisis due to the “failure” of its foreign policy.

He said the Union government should have anticipated the LPG and oil shortage and made adequate arrangements in time to prevent inconvenience to the general public, according to PTI.

Mann also voiced concerns about the “excessive centralization” of power in the hands of a few leaders at the Centre, warning that such concentration of authority poses a danger to democracy.

Further, he questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the “unchecked cross-border drug supply,” seeking an explanation for the “failure” of central agencies, and cautioned that the proposed India-US trade deal could severely jeopardise the interests of farmers.

Delhi Food and Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, in a statement issued on Sunday, said that the Government of Delhi has deployed 70 joint teams comprising personnel from the police, the Weights and Measures Department, and the Food and Supplies Department to monitor LPG availability across Delhi, reported PTI

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann slammed the BJP-led Centre, alleging the country was facing the LPG crisis due to the "failure" of its foreign policy.

He claimed the central government should have foreseen the LPG and oil crisis and made adequate arrangements well in time to avoid any inconvenience to the general public, reported PTI

Amid circulating rumours about a cooking gas shortage in parts of the city, Delhi Food and Supplies Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday stated that there is no shortage of LPG in the capital and urged residents to remain calm.

In his statement, the minister said the government has deployed 70 joint teams comprising personnel from the police, Weights and Measures department, and the Food and Supplies department to closely monitor LPG availability across Delhi.

"These teams are checking stock levels at distributors and markets and will act against hoarding or unfair trade practices," Sirsa said, according to PTI.

Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Sunday stated that the state government will examine issues raised by hotel owners regarding a potential cut in commercial gas supply, following a Central advisory prioritising domestic consumption amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Bhujbal, the state’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, said in a statement that gas companies have been directed to ensure that household LPG supply is maintained without any disruption.

"While the directive focuses on household consumption, it could indirectly affect the availability of gas for commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants," he said, according to PTI.

In a significant drive against the illegal storage and black-marketing of LPG cylinders, J&K's Bhaderwah Police on Sunday conducted an operation in the area, recovering 75 cylinders and arresting three individuals allegedly involved in the unlawful trade.

Police said the action was taken following specific inputs and under the directions of SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta. A team from Police Station Bhaderwah carried out a raid after receiving information that certain persons were illegally selling LPG cylinders to residents in the locality, reported ANI.

During the operation, three suspects were taken into custody. Officials stated that eight filled cylinders and 15 empty ones were seized from Abdul Hamid, while 28 filled and 24 empty cylinders were recovered from Ghulam Rasool. Altogether, the police confiscated 75 LPG cylinders from their joint possession.

A housing society in Daman has installed a common gas stove within its premises to assist residents facing a shortage of LPG. The arrangement effectively turned into a community kitchen on Sunday, with members coming together to cook collectively in an effort to conserve fuel.

Satish Sharma, a representative of Anand Society, said the initiative was intended to promote a sense of unity and mutual support among residents during challenging circumstances, according to PTI.

"We learnt that some families in our society were experiencing delays in receiving LPG cylinders. To help them, we collectively set up a gas stove and cylinder in a common area. Anyone who urgently needs to cook can use the facility without any charges," he said.

As per PTI, Responding to criticism from state BJP leaders that the LPG shortage was not being reported in other states, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, "Let them supply it then. Maybe they are showing a stepmotherly attitude towards Karnataka. Let them supply it to Karnataka. What will we do by keeping it with us?"

Four people sustained critical injuries after an LPG cylinder explosion sparked a major fire in a building in Jharkhand’s Palamu district on Sunday, police said.

The blast occurred at Bairiya Chowk under the jurisdiction of the Town police station. According to officials, nearly 50 to 60 LPG cylinders were allegedly being stored illegally on the ground floor of the structure at the time of the incident.

"Four persons aged between 20 and 30 years sustained critical burn injuries in the blast. All of them have been rushed to Medinirai Medical College & Hospital for treatment. Two fire tenders were pressed into service at the site, and the fire has been doused," Medininagar SDPO Rajeev Ranjan told PTI.

"Preliminary investigation suggests that these LPG cylinders were stored illegally on the ground floor of the building. The exact cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained. We have launched a thorough investigation into the matter," the SDPO mentioned.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condemned Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi's actions during a protest at Makar Dwar in Parliament over the LPG shortage, accusing the latter of "defaming" the country and its institutions, as per ANI.

Addressing a public rally in Guwahati, Shah stated, "Sometimes he (Rahul Gandhi) sits at the door of Parliament and eats tea and pakoras. Does he not realise what an appropriate venue for having breakfast is? The Parliament is the highest institution of our democracy. Even sitting there and protesting is not a democratic practice. But you have gone two steps beyond protesting. You are having tea and pakoras. This is defaming India across the world."

LPG refill bookings have fallen to around 77 lakh from 88.8 lakh earlier, suggesting that panic buying may be easing. This comes even as the government reiterated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or cooking gas, and that supplies continue to remain steady despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In its daily assessment of the situation, the government also noted that the proportion of LPG bookings made online has increased to nearly 87 per cent from 84 per cent. The rise has been attributed to awareness efforts by oil marketing companies encouraging consumers to opt for digital booking methods and avoid crowding at LPG distributorships due to fear-driven purchases.

As per PTI, LPG bookings have shown a decline, with about 77 lakh bookings recorded yesterday (on Saturday) compared to 88.8 lakh bookings on March 13, 2026," the update said, adding "Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased from 84 per cent to about 87 per cent."

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday cautioned that strict measures would be taken against individuals spreading rumours about a possible shortage of LPG, stating that such misinformation was causing unwarranted panic among the public, as per PTI.

Addressing an event at Apna Ghar Ashram in Budhpur, she said that both the Central government and the Delhi administration were keeping a close watch on the situation, and assured citizens that there was no need to worry.

She further alleged that certain groups were trying to instil fear and promote hoarding by circulating misleading claims, adding that such actions were contrary to the national interest.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said he has written to the Central government, urging it to look at alternative solutions, including importing LPG from other countries — to deal with the reported shortage of cooking gas in certain parts of the state, according to PTI.

Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister stated that the state government had already addressed the matter in the legislature and had also taken it up with the Union government to ensure a continuous and adequate supply of LPG.

"The government has already given replies twice, both in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. I have also written a letter. Regarding this shortage, I have said that efforts should be made to explore alternatives, such as bringing LPG from other countries to avoid the shortage. Even now, I am urging the central government," Siddaramaiah said.

The government on Sunday said there have been no reports of gas supply disruptions at LPG distributorships across the country, according to its latest update, as per ANI.

In a statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas noted that LPG bookings have declined, with around 77 lakh bookings recorded on the previous day as compared to 88.8 lakh bookings on March 13, 2026.

The ministry also stated that several states and Union Territories, including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan, have issued directions for the allocation of non-domestic LPG in accordance with the Centre’s guidelines.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance organised a protest in Tiruchirappalli on Sunday as part of a statewide agitation targeting the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre, in the backdrop of the ongoing West Asia conflict affecting global fuel supplies.

The demonstration was spearheaded by Tamil Nadu Municipal Administration Minister and DMK Principal Secretary K. N. Nehru. Several party functionaries and workers took part in the protest, raising slogans against the Union government and drawing attention to the difficulties faced by the public due to the shortage of LPG cylinders.

Addressing a public rally, Nehru said, "Edappadi Palaniswami, who served as Chief Minister for four years, is now saying that the Chief Minister should intervene and resolve the LPG cylinder shortage. However, the gas sector is under the control of the Union Government, and the State Government can only request the Centre to take action. Citing the upcoming elections, Edappadi Palaniswami is blaming the Chief Minister. They keep talking about alliances instead of addressing people's concerns. If they truly cared about the people, they should simply demand an adequate supply of cooking gas."

He added, "Chief Minister immediately convened a meeting and, due to the shortage of LPG, announced a ₹2 subsidy for electricity for those using electric stoves. Stalin will return as Chief Minister after winning 200 seats again."

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he was indulging in irresponsible politics over the issue of cooking gas at a time when tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia remain sensitive, as per PTI.

Yadav made these remarks while speaking at a tribal gathering in Nepanagar town of Burhanpur district.

He further stated that the intensifying conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has led to the destruction of oil infrastructure, adding that the escalating situation has created the possibility of a wider war affecting much of Asia.

"Despite such a difficult situation, the Congress is indulging in irresponsible politics over the cooking gas," Yadav said, asserting that there was no shortage of domestic or commercial cooking gas in India.

An FIR has been registered in Lucknow against multiple individuals, including the owner and manager of a gas agency, for allegedly storing domestic LPG cylinders unlawfully and attempting to sell them on the black market, officials said on Sunday, according to PTI.

Authorities stated that the case was filed at Kakori police station under relevant provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, after a raid carried out by the district supply department.

Officials added that acting on a tip-off received on March 14, a joint team headed by the District Supply Officer conducted a search at the premises of Abhinandan Resort situated off Mohan Road in the Kakori locality.

Referring to reports that community kitchens at the Annapurna temple in Varanasi were affected due to a “shortage” of LPG, CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby on Sunday said the situation reflected the “failure” of the BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and at the Centre, according to PTI.

In a post on X, Baby said he came to know about the closure of the temple annakshetras, which provide food to thousands of people every day, after reaching Varanasi to participate in the Jan Akrosh Jatha.

He further pointed out that the kitchen had reportedly remained closed for the first time in several decades because of the continuing LPG crisis.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan on Sunday strongly criticised BJP leader K. Annamalai, alleging that he was making statements without fully understanding the prevailing global situation. His reaction came after Annamalai accused the ruling DMK government of creating unnecessary fear among the public over fuel availability amid tensions in West Asia.

Addressing reporters, Thirumavalavan further charged Annamalai with politicising the issue of LPG shortages in the country, and said such comments were not helpful at a time when people were already concerned about supply disruptions, according to ANI.

"This shows that Annamalai is speaking without understanding the global situation. We are not doing politics; it is Annamalai who is politicising the issue," said Thirumavalavan.

Kerala Minister for Food and Civil Supplies GR Anil on Sunday said the statement made by the government in Parliament does not indicate the ground realities, stating that the shortage of LPG cylinders in Kerala has become "extremely serious".

Anil said he heard the Union minister's statement in Parliament but thinks it has no link with the situation on the ground.

"Kerala is largely a consumer state, and the present crisis has started affecting the daily lives of people across the state. While it is being claimed that domestic consumers will receive cylinders as required, the reality is that many families are approaching us with complaints about non-availability," he said, according to ANI.

Anil added, "While it is being claimed that domestic consumers will receive cylinders as required, the reality is that many families are approaching us with complaints about non-availability. Another major issue is that people who depend on private gas agencies are facing difficulty in getting cylinders. Even though public sector oil companies claim that they are supplying without fail, those who rely on private agencies are struggling to receive their supply."

Tamil Nadu Health Minister and senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader MA Subramanian on Sunday organised a protest in Chennai, accusing the Central government of failing to ensure adequate supply of LPG cylinders in the state, reported ANI.

The demonstration took place in the Saidapet locality, where DMK leaders, party workers and members of its alliance partners assembled to voice their concerns over the availability of cooking gas. In a symbolic move to draw attention to the issue, a domestic LPG cylinder was placed on the stage and adorned with a flower garland during the protest.

Large numbers of leaders and workers from DMK, Congress, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M), and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) took part in the protest.

DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday slammed the BJP-led Central government, alleging that its “wrong decisions” have led to a serious shortage of LPG across the country.

He further claimed that the lack of foresight and failure to take timely precautionary steps by the Centre has caused difficulties for the common people, particularly in the context of the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders.

"The Union BJP government which has earned the name Failure Model even in foreign policy has caused a severe cylinder shortage due to its wrong decisions," he wrote in a social media post.

The Haryana government has set up committees led by district deputy commissioners to ensure an uninterrupted supply of commercial LPG to essential sectors, including hospitals and educational institutions with hostels, according to PTI.

According to an order issued on Saturday by Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Chief Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, deputy commissioners may also allocate commercial LPG cylinders for marriage functions on a priority basis, depending on need.

“The government has a strict stance against hoarding. We all must stand united when a crisis befalls the country,” said Delhi CM Rekha Gupta.

“I also want to warn those people who are creating fear among the public and inciting them to hoard. This is working against the country,” she added.

“In difficult times, let us all come together, exercise a little restraint, use alternative means, and very soon this entire situation will return to normal," CM Gupta assured.

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“Domestic LPG supply across the country remains fully secure and uninterrupted,” the latest joint statement by oil marketing companies (OMCs)—Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum—and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said.

“Unusually early or panic bookings can delay deliveries for others who need cylinders urgently. Let’s ensure the system works smoothly for everyone. Book only when required. Every Kitchen deserves its flame on time,” read the statement posted to X.

Orders from restaurants impacted by the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are starting to recover as eateries adjust their menus and adopt alternative cooking methods, according to the food delivery platform magicpin.

Anshoo Sharma, CEO and founder of magicpin, told PTI the disruption has largely affected smaller restaurants that rely heavily on LPG cylinders for cooking and have limited financial resources.

Orders in cuisines that rely significantly on LPG-based cooking initially saw a dip of about 5-10%, but demand has started to recover as restaurants adjust their operations, Sharma told the news agency.

The tanker Shivalik will likely reach Mundra port on March 16 and Nanda Devi is expected to arrive a day later, Bloomberg reported citing Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary at the shipping ministry.

Both LPG tankers are owned by Shipping Corp of India Ltd. and chartered by state-run Indian Oil Corp.

There are currently 22 India-flagged vessels stuck in the Persian Gulf including six LPG vessels, one LNG carrier and four crude oil tankers, Bloomberg reported citing Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary at the shipping ministry.

“As someone who personally heard the statement made by the Union Petroleum Minister in Parliament, I must say that it has no connection with the ground reality. I do not know how severe the situation is in other parts of the country, but in Kerala the shortage of LPG cylinders has become extremely serious,” said Kerala Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, G R Anil.

“While it is being claimed that domestic consumers will receive cylinders as required, the reality is that many families are approaching us with complaints about non-availability. Another major issue is that people who depend on private gas agencies are facing great difficulty in getting cylinders. Even though public sector oil companies claim that they are supplying without fail, those who rely on private agencies are struggling to receive their supply,” he added in comments to ANI.

He also flagged a wide range of risks resulting from the shortage facing the state and urged Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi to urgently look into the matter.

The Haryana government has approved committees headed by deputy commissioners of districts to ensure a steady supply of commercial LPG to essential institutions such as hospitals and educational centres, including hostels, reported news agency PTI.

Deputy commissioners may also, on priority, allot commercial LPG cylinders for marriage functions as per need and priority, the government said.

The order was issued by Additional Chief Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Raja Sekhar Vundru on Saturday.

Consumers blocked a road outside a gas agency in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district after failing to get LPG cylinders despite waiting in queues for hours, news agency PTI reported citing officials.

Hundreds of customers had been standing in queue since around 7 am on Saturday, but when the agency located on Sagar Road did not open till 10 am, an hour after it was supposed to start business, they became restless.

A large number of women also joined the protest, alleging the agency operator had given no prior information and had made them wait for hours.

LPG prices have been hiked in India amid supply disruptions. India depends on imports to meet 60% of its LPG needs, and 90% of these imports come via the Middle East, through the Strait of Hormuz, where trade has effectively come to a halt due to the ongoing conflict.

Check city-wise rates here.

The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday issued a notification asking households having both piped natural gas (PNG) connections and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) subscriptions to give up the latter and refrain from cylinder refills from any public oil company or its distributors.

“No person having a Piped Natural Gas connection and also having domestic LPG connection shall retain a domestic LPG connection, or take refills of domestic LPG cylinders from any Government oil company, or through their distributors. Such persons will be required to immediately surrender their domestic LPG connection,” the notification by the ministry said.

Several Indian Navy warships have been deployed near the Persian Gulf and remain on standby to assist merchant vessels coming towards India, news agency ANI reported on Sunday citing sources familiar with the matter.

Earlier on Saturday, two Indian flagged vessels carrying LPG were granted transit through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities.

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US President Donald Trump on Saturday night assured American assistance to keep traffic through the crucial state of Hormuz moving.

“…the Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT! The U.S. will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well. This should have always been a team effort, and now it will be — It will bring the World together toward Harmony, Security, and Everlasting Peace!,” wrote Trump in a post on Truth Social.

The Indian government, on March 14, began commercial LPG cylinder distribution to ease pressures faced by Indian industries, particularly the hospitality industry.

"After extensive discussions, the government has decided that commercial consumers will also get LPG. Commercial cylinder distribution has been started in various states and consumers have started receiving them," Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Saturday.