LPG Shortage News Today Updates: PM Modi hits out at those creating panic — ‘hurting the country’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at those trying to create panic on the LPG situation in India, and said they are not only exposing themselves before the people but also hurting the country.

"Some people are trying to create panic on LPG. Without making a political point, I will say they are not only exposing themselves before people but hurting the country," PM Modi said while speaking at NXT Summit on Thursday.

OIl minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in the Lok Sabha on Thursday: “Hospitals and educational institutions have been placed on uninterrupted priority supply. Their access to LPG is fully assured regardless of broader demand conditions,” the minister said, adding that field reports indicate hoarding and panic-booking at the distributor and retail level, driven by consumer anxiety rather than any actual supply shortage, the minister said.

"The House should be clear on this: the rush-booking pressure in some localities reflects a demand distortion, not a production or supply failure," he said.

Speaking at the NXT Summit, PM Narendra Modi says, “...the Indian government has always made every effort to ensure that the burden of the war's consequences doesn't fall on Indian citizens. And when the Russia-Ukraine crisis escalated, fertiliser prices skyrocketed. Despite this, we provided our farmers with a bag of urea for ₹300, which used to cost ₹3,000 in the international market. This time too, we will make every effort to ensure that the war has minimal impact on the lives of our farmers and citizens.”

"In this crucial time, from this platform, I also request the state governments: it's essential to prevent black marketing and the spread of rumours. Therefore, careful monitoring of the situation is essential. Major action should be taken against those engaging in black marketing...," PM Modi said.

"The past decade has been a period of self-reliance as well as sensitive governance. A large part of our country's people have remained outside the thinking of the Congress governments in Delhi. However, our government has connected those left behind in the race for development with governance priorities."

Addressing the gathering at the NXT conclave in Bharat Mandapam on Thursday, the Prime Minister said that the Opposition is trying to create panic among the public, thereby harming the country. He further stated that though the war has impacted the nation, the government is making continuous strides in addressing the crisis.

“There's a lot of discussion these days about LPG. Some people are trying to create panic and pursue their own agenda. I don't want to comment on them politically at this time. But I will definitely say that by doing so, they are exposing themselves to the public and causing significant harm to the entire country,” PM Modi said, as per news agency ANI.

He added, “No country is untouched by the impact of this global crisis caused by war. To a greater or lesser extent, everyone is affected by this crisis. India is also leaving no stone unturned to address this crisis. And we are making efforts at various levels. Recently, I have discussed this with top leaders from several countries around the world. Continuous efforts are also underway to overcome the obstacles in the supply chain.”

Indian Oil Corp posted on X: “We are with you at every step, ensuring uninterrupted access to fuel across the country. IndianOil Fuel Stations nationwide remain fully operational, with adequate supplies of petrol and diesel being distributed smoothly across the network. Customers are requested to rely on verified information and disregard rumours while continuing to refuel as usual.”

Customers can conveniently book LPG refills from home through:

• WhatsApp booking

• SMS/IVRS Booking

• Respective OMC mobile apps

On LPG shortage issue, Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda says, "... People are queuing up for LPG cylinders. The government should work towards regaining the trust of the people. On one hand, they are saying there is no shortage, yet they have stopped distribution of commercial cylinders..."

On LPG supply challenges, Chairman, Confidence Petroleum, Nitin Khara says, "... The situation is extremely dire. There is no immediate relief in sight, and conditions are deteriorating by each passing day. In Delhi, there is a severe lack of assistance and even hostility towards those seeking help... A ship carrying essential supplies has arrived, but under government orders it must be unloaded entirely in India to prioritise domestic consumers..."

IGL's message to its customers: "Your energy needs are our top priority. Following the government's latest order dated March 9, 2026, IGL is prioritizing the uninterrupted flow of Domestic PNG for your kitchens and CNG for your vehicles. IGL remains persistent in its commitment to excellence, ensuring that customer service is at the heart of every endeavor we undertake."

“No need for panic LPG booking; normal delivery cycle for domestic household remains 2.5 days”: Oil Ministry

On ANI's question on what steps the government is taking to ensure that LPG supply to households is not affected, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, says, "LPG supply in the domestic market depends upon the management of both demand and supply. The government is taking action on all fronts. As far as the supply is concerned, we are putting in efforts and we are trying to increase the domestic production of our LPG. At the same time, wherever imports are possible, that is also actively happening...The booking period has increased from 21 to 25 days for urban households. The second important thing is the prioritisation of the households. So, it is ensured that there is no shortage of supply for the domestic households."

"A detailed discussion has happened with the chief secretary of the Delhi government, and it has been decided that the oil marketing companies will be releasing some commercial cylinders, 19 kg cylinders also. But then the role of state government or the union territory is very important, to ensure that the distribution happens in a transparent manner, in a prioritised manner..."

Hotels in Jaipur have switched to induction cooking amid the LPG shortage, following the Union Government’s advisory to prioritise gas supplies for domestic consumers, health institutions, and other key sectors, news agency PTI reported.

On Israel-Iran war and implications on Asian market, Senior economist, Emerging Asia at Natixis, Trinh Nguyen says, “... I would separate it into two parts. The first is the supply itself. Given the fact that both oil and gas are destined towards Asia. Asian countries need to scramble for supplies.”

"The reason this happens is that refineries and crude have to match. So even if you find new supply, you must find the right crude for your refineries, and that’s a challenge... The second part concerns oil and gas storage. For oil, there are significant reserves because storage capacity is relatively high. But for gas, reserves are very low. For example, the highest reserves in Asia are in Japan, in terms of number of days... Now, I’m focusing on oil and gas here, but of course, some derivatives are important, such as petrochemical feedstocks that go into the supply chain, and commodities like aluminium production are also disrupted. But oil and gas are critical because they feed into all aspects of the economy. And the issue is particularly serious for countries that don’t have alternative sources of supply...," she said.

States have been allocated 40,000 kilolitre of additional kerosene as an alternative to LPG, says oil ministry official.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, says, “We import almost 60 % of our LPG and most of it, almost 90 % comes from the Strait of Hormuz. It's a difficult situation, but the government is making every effort to ensure that the supply to the domestic consumers is ensured...”

"We deliver almost 50 lakh cylinders on a daily basis. On the distribution side, no dry out has been reported. But there is a manifold increase in bookings because of the panic. We urge the citizens to avoid panic booking...State governments have been requested to identify the list of beneficiaries so that the delivery of the cylinder, commercial cylinder, can be made on a priority basis...," Sujata Sharma.

On Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's speech, Congress MP KC Venugopal says, "There is an energy crisis in the country. Our petroleum minister is completely compromised; this is what he (Rahul Gandhi) has mentioned with evidence... No one can stop Rahul Gandhi from speaking the truth; he will tell the truth to the people..."

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, says, "...As far as the crude is concerned, the situation is quite comfortable. I also told you yesterday that we use almost 55 lakh barrels of oil every day. We are the fourth-largest refiner in the world. This is something that gives us a lot of comfort in terms of the availability of products like petrol and diesel"

On ANI's question on what steps the government is taking to ensure that LPG supply to households is not affected, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, says, “LPG supply in the domestic market depends upon the management of both demand and supply. The government is taking action on all fronts.”

“As far as the supply is concerned, we are putting in efforts and we are trying to increase the domestic production of our LPG. At the same time, wherever imports are possible, that is also actively happening...,” he said.

"The booking period has increased from 21 to 25 days for urban households. The second important thing is the prioritisation of the households. So, it is ensured that there is no shortage of supply for the domestic households," he added.

"A detailed discussion has happened with the chief secretary of the Delhi government, and it has been decided that the oil marketing companies will be releasing some commercial cylinders, 19 kg cylinders also. But then the role of state government or the union territory is very important, to ensure that the distribution happens in a transparent manner, in a prioritised manner...," he said.

In the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, says, "Large LNG cargoes are arriving on an almost daily basis through alternative supply routes. India has sufficient gas production and supply arrangements to sustain this position even in the event of a prolonged conflict. Power generation for every household and for industry is fully protected...Procurement has now been actively diversified with cargoes being secured from the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria and Russia"

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav says, "If we look at Uttar Pradesh, Gorakhpur and Lucknow, not only have LPG prices increased there, but commercial gas prices are also rising. With the shortage and the videos that are coming out, I don't understand why you (the government) aren't even admitting there's a problem. In the restaurant business, the hotel business, even with domestic LPG, people are facing problems, and when black marketing has started, how will the government find a solution to this?..."

On reports of commercial LPG cylinder shortage, Congress leader Sachin Pilot says, "The war in the Gulf is a natural fallout. But the Govt of India should take cognisance of it. 83% of India's oil and fuel requirement is imported. When we are facing this crisis, what alternate arrangement we have should be made clear. Reports are coming in from several cities that there is a shortage and prices have risen. So, the direct impact will be on the common man, the middle class. Parliament is in session, Govt should speak on the Floor of the House and clear everything...Mere statement is not enough, a discussion is needed..."

On reports of shortage of LPG cylinders, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala says, "The people of the country are suffering because of the shortage of LPG cylinders. I wonder why the Union government has not taken any steps to help the people. They have to take urgent action on this issue and provide LPG cylinders all over the country. Most of the hotels are being closed down and the households are suffering. I demand urgent action from the central government to sort out these issues as early as possible"

On reports of a commercial LPG cylinder shortage, Hotel Association President Subramanya Holla says, “The main discussion was to streamline the domestic supply, which is now increased to 25 days. The second main discussion was how other government agencies where there are canteen hostels are being run, and how to support them... We have requested the chief secretary to look into the hotel industry and give a Karnataka representation to the central government...”

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) canteen has reportedly shifted to an alternate method of cooking by using electric appliances amid the ongoing commercial LPG cylinder shortage.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks, stating that the nation will navigate through the shortage of LPG, just as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have managed during the pandemic. We will manage this, too. They don't care because their leaders don't care. Congress works to spread delusions all day. Congress has nothing else to do," ANI quoted Giriraj Singh as saying.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday dismissed LPG crisis as mere rumours.

Over reports of shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, he said, "We are taking strict action against rumours, and there is no such problem anywhere in Uttarakhand. We are keeping a close eye on the situation. Yesterday, I had also instructed the Chief Secretary to review the situation in the state. We are working on all this so that people do not face inconvenience or black marketing," ANI reported.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over its silence on LPG crisis. Criticising PM Modi's public rallies in Kerala and Tamil Nadu ahead of the Assembly polls, he said, “You (Centre) are not talking about the LPG shortage, petrol and diesel shortage. This situation is creating fear in people. Hotels and restaurants are shutting down. The Modi government has not said anything on this. It is unfortunate that the nation is in the hands of such leadership,” ANI reported.

A Bengaluru hotel owner hit with LPG crisis appealed for help to sustain operations. He placed placards on all of his empty LPG cylinders outside the eatery.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday pointed to shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. In a post on X, he wrote, “India is now staring at a serious LPG supply vulnerability, and the people deserve answers. Over the past decade, LPG consumption has increased dramatically -- especially after the expansion of cooking gas connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. While providing access to clean cooking fuel is important, the Union government failed to plan the infrastructure and strategic reserves needed to support this surge in demand.”

Emphasizing the drawbacks of the PM Ujjwala Yojana, he added, "Today, India imports nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirement, and shockingly, more than 85 per cent of these imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most geopolitically sensitive routes in the world. Any disruption in this region can immediately affect India's LPG supply chain."

Assam Police in a post on X said: "Strict legal action will be taken against anyone trying to spread rumours about shortages of LPG, POL and other petroleum products."

It further urged citizens to refrain from believing in or forwarding any such misleading claims that may be spread by "inimical elements" to try and create confusion.

Hoarding LPG cylinders during supply disruptions can invite strict action under the Essential Commodities Act, legal experts warned.

Under Section 7 of the Act, offenders can face imprisonment ranging from three months to seven years, along with fines, while cylinders can be seized under Section 6A. The warning comes amid reports of illegal storage, theft and black marketing of LPG in parts of the country.

Jhansi Police have arrested seven people and recovered 524 stolen LPG cylinders in a major theft case, India Today reported.

The cylinders were stolen from a truck outside a gas plant in the Sipri Bazar area between March 2 and 6. Police later found the abandoned truck near Parichha and tracked the accused using CCTV footage and local inputs.

Officials recovered 379 filled and 135 empty cylinders, over ₹11 lakh in cash, a firearm and a motorcycle. Investigators said two former drivers of the truck owner allegedly planned the theft to recover pending dues and sold the cylinders for ₹13 lakh. All accused have been sent to jail and further investigation is underway.

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi on Thursday said efforts are underway to control the LPG crisis and that new avenues are opening for India to secure additional supplies.

He told reporters that Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri addressed the issue in Parliament on Wednesday, adding that some details related to supplies through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be disclosed due to diplomatic sensitivities.

The Tamil Nadu IT Hostel and PG Owners Welfare Association has asked hostel operators to cut LPG use amid a cylinder shortage.

In a notice, the association said tea and coffee services have been halted, while high gas-consuming items such as chapathi and dosa have been temporarily removed from menus. Hostels have also been advised to limit extra side dishes like sambar or kurma and serve chutney instead until supplies improve.

Fair price shop dealers have urged the Centre to restore kerosene supply through the Public Distribution System as a backup cooking fuel if LPG availability is disrupted, reports India Today.

The All India Fair Price Shop Dealers Federation has written to the government seeking renewed kerosene allocation, saying it could support low-income households, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, amid global energy supply concerns linked to tensions in West Asia.

Members of the women, youth and student wings of the Opposition BJD staged a protest at Master Canteen Square on Wednesday against the rise in LPG cylinder and essential commodity prices.

Activists from Biju Mahila, Yuba and Chatra Janata Dal symbolically prepared tea on earthen chulhas to highlight the burden of rising cooking fuel costs on households.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi says avenues are opening up for India to secure more LPG

Assam Police have warned of strict legal action against anyone spreading rumours about shortages of LPG, petrol, diesel or other petroleum products.

In a post on X, the police said misleading claims are circulating that could create public confusion and urged citizens to rely only on verified information from official sources and not forward such messages.

Congress-led opposition MPs will stage a protest at the Parliament complex at 10:30 am over disruptions in LPG supply, India Today’s Rahul Gautam reported.

The protest follows reports of shortages in several cities, with restaurants and commercial establishments struggling to procure cooking gas cylinders. Opposition leaders are expected to seek clarification from the government on measures to ensure uninterrupted supply.

The Uttarakhand government has decided to provide commercial gas cylinders to hospitals and educational institutions on a priority basis amid fears of a possible disruption in gas supply due to conflict in West Asia.

The government has also begun preparations to provide wood for commercial use if needed, but asserted that there was no shortage of gas cylinders in the state.

Trade unions said around 20,000 autorickshaws and several cabs stayed off the roads in Chennai and parts of Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur due to a shortage of Auto LPG and CNG, The New Indian Express reported.

However, bunk owners downplayed the severity of the situation, saying it was not as serious as claimed by drivers, though they admitted uncertainty about supplies in the coming days.

Prepare to carry your own meals: IRCTC mulls menu cuts, alternative fuels amid LPG crisis

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is considering temporarily suspending cooked meal services on trains due to the LPG shortage, according to a TOI report. Passengers who pre-booked meals while reserving tickets may be affected if the plan is implemented.

Bengali restaurant chain Bhooter Raja Dilo Bor shut its Patuli and Jadavpur outlets on Tuesday as LPG stocks ran low, while several other eateries said their supplies would last only a few days.

Catering firm Bijoli Grill has also stopped taking new event orders. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chaired a meeting on Wednesday to review the LPG crisis, saying the government has also spoken to restaurants and food delivery operators.

Long queues of green-and-yellow autorickshaws now line BT Road in north Kolkata, stretching from Belgharia CSTC bus depot to Baranagar Metro station as drivers wait hours for LPG, reports Indian Express.

Most suburban autos run on LPG, and with official pumps running dry, even illegal “kata gas” supplies have dwindled, with prices jumping from ₹70–80 to over ₹120 per kg.

Gautam Buddha Nagar’s District Supply Officer (in-charge) Smriti Gautam said the supply of commercial cylinders has been halted.

She urged residents not to panic, stating there is no shortage of domestic LPG, petrol or diesel in the district, and added that certain changes have been made to LPG rules.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry said on March 11 that India has begun receiving LNG and LPG cargoes amid concerns over gas shortages, with two LNG shipments currently en route to the country.

Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said crude oil supplies remain secure and that volumes secured now exceed the usual inflow through the Strait of Hormuz. She added that state-run oil marketing companies have also secured multiple crude cargoes from different countries, with two more shipments on their way.

The commercial LPG shortage in Hyderabad is beginning to alter hostel menus, with chapatis among the first items to be dropped as cooking gas supplies run low in PGs and hostels across the IT corridor.

Many are also avoiding puris, dosas and gas-intensive dishes like rajma and chickpea curries. Hostel operators say they are shifting to simpler meals such as lemon rice, upma, pongal, dal, vegetable curry and curd until supplies improve.

As LPG shortages disrupt daily life in India, data show the country sharply expanded LPG use—especially among poorer households—through imports, but without building long-term strategic reserves.

With over 85% of imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz and limited backup storage, disruptions have had a rapid impact.

Unlike petrol and diesel, which have reserves covering about two months of consumption, India’s LPG system is built for continuous supply rather than stockpiling, with no major plans yet to expand large underground storage.