LPG Cylinder Shortage News highlights: Delhi issues policy for commercial LPG distribution; hospitals to get priority

According to an order issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday, anyone who has a Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection along with a domestic LPG connection is not permitted to retain the LPG connection or obtain refills from any government oil company or its distributors. Such individuals are required to surrender their domestic LPG connection immediately.

Despite a nationwide LPG shortage caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Belur Math in Howrah district, West Bengal, is maintaining its daily distribution of 'bhog' to thousands of devotees by utilising alternative energy sources such as biogas and solar power, officials said on Saturday, according to PTI.

As the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math serves meals daily to visitors, devotees, and local residents as part of its long-standing tradition of community service inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s teachings.

A Math official stated that the food service continues uninterrupted by drawing on the institution’s own alternative energy resources.

The Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Department on Saturday stated that authorities have confiscated 316 domestic LPG cylinders allegedly being used for commercial activities across the state and have filed cases against the individuals involved.

In addition, a separate case has been registered against a gas agency for illegally refilling LPG cylinders.

"Following the minister's (K H Muniyappa) instructions to take appropriate legal action if domestic cylinders are used for commercial purposes, cases have been registered under the Essential Commodities Act and seizures have been made across the state, including 45 in Peenya and 209 in Chikkajala of Bengaluru, 3 in Shivamogga district, 46 in Davanagere and 13 in Yadgir district," the department stated in a release, according to PTI.

In line with instructions from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, to ensure the availability of up to 20% of the average daily commercial LPG cylinder consumption in Delhi, and in coordination with the three major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), a policy has been issued for the distribution of commercial LPG cylinders in the National Capital Territory of Delhi during the ongoing supply shortage, according to ANI.

Hospitals, airports, railways and educational institutions to get top priority.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday stated that there is no issue regarding the LPG in the state, noting that “misinformation is being spread”, according to ANI.

In Bilaspur, Chief Minister Sai appealed to the public to ignore circulating rumours and provided assurance that they would not experience any problems or disruptions.

"There is no problem. Misinformation is being spread... The people of the state should stay away from rumours; they will not face any trouble," he said.

“With reference to recent media reports regarding the possible disruption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supply to hospitals in the region, Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) clarifies that PNG supply to hospitals and other essential service establishments remains stable and uninterrupted,” Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) said in a statement on Saturday.

“Just in the aftermath of Qatar declaring force majeure on 3 March, all customers had been advised about the possible disruption due to the force majeure. Immediate arrangements were made by IGL to ensure alternate supplies and now there is no shortage of natural gas in the country,” IGL said.

The statement added that IGL had made all necessary arrangements to ensure regular and reliable gas supply to critical institutions such as hospitals, healthcare facilities, and other essential service providers.

Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, Rakesh Minhas, on Saturday announced the creation of special monitoring teams to check LPG and fuel stocks at distributorships, aiming to ensure transparency and strict compliance with supply regulations.

An official spokesperson said the decision was made during a meeting with LPG distributors and representatives of oil marketing companies in the district, according to PTI.

The deputy commissioner emphasized that any irregularities found in the distribution process will be dealt with firmly, and distributors found violating rules will be held accountable under the relevant legal provisions.

He instructed all distributors to strictly follow the prescribed supply schedules in accordance with existing guidelines and the latest circulars.

To enforce compliance and monitor ground-level operations, the deputy commissioner stated that the special monitoring teams would conduct cross-verification of stock levels at distributorships throughout the district.

Sales of induction cooktops and electric burners have recorded a sharp increase in the Himachal Pradesh capital as households and businesses struggle with limited availability of commercial LPG cylinders, according to PTI.

The shortage has particularly affected the hospitality sector, prompting hotel operators and dhaba owners to shift to electric appliances to ensure that kitchen operations continue without disruption. Many domestic consumers have also begun purchasing these devices as a precautionary measure for emergency use.

Diveyesh, who owns an appliance showroom, said there has been a significant rise in demand for both commercial and household electric burners. He noted that while the store earlier sold only three to four units in a week, it is now selling eight to nine units each day. He added that the demand for induction-compatible cookware has also gone up.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai on Saturday alleged that the shortage of LPG had forced the closure of ‘Maa Annapurna Ki Rasoi’ in Kashi.

He said the facility, which had been serving meals to a large number of people, was compelled to turn away those in need due to the disruption.

"What kind of blow is this to the centuries-old traditions of Kashi, Narendra Modi ji? It is a matter of deep anguish that, due to a severe shortage of LPG, even Kashi's sacred 'Maa Annapurna Ki Rasoi' has been forced to shut down today. A door from where no one ever returned hungry, today even sadhus, saints, and devotees are being compelled to go back without a meal," he wrote on X in Hindi.

"This is not merely an administrative failure, it is an assault on the faith of Mahadev's holy city. Will the hearths now cease to burn even in your own parliamentary constituency?" Rai added.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday said that the country will not face any shortage of oil, kerosene or diesel despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia, according to ANI.

He added that the government is making all necessary efforts to ensure uninterrupted gas supplies and credited Narendra Modi’s diplomatic initiatives for facilitating the opening of the Strait of Hormuz for Indian shipments, thereby helping to maintain steady energy inflows.

Scindia said, "The Prime Minister has assured the citizens of the country that there will be no shortage of oil, kerosene, or diesel. We are making every possible effort regarding the supply of gas, and due to the success of the Prime Minister's diplomacy, the Strait of Hormuz has been opened for India, ensuring that the country does not face any shortage of oil or gas."

"In addition, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri presented a detailed analysis of the entire situation in Parliament yesterday and confirmed that India has sufficient reserves... At such a time, the Congress party and the Leader of the Opposition are busy baking political bread... The Congress is not concerned about the country," he added.

Facing disruptions in the supply of commercial LPG, the hotel industry in Manali and Shimla has begun making alternative arrangements to ensure that tourist activity is not affected.

A joint meeting to discuss the issue was held at the office of the Manali Hoteliers Association, with participation from representatives of the Shimla Hotel Association, reported ANI.

Mohinder Seth, president of the Shimla Hoteliers Association, said that gas supplies have been affected due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and prevailing global geopolitical tensions, the impact of which is being felt across the country. He added that since Himachal Pradesh is a major tourist destination, the hotel industry has urged the government to ensure adequate availability of commercial LPG, though the situation has not yet normalised.

He further said that hotels are increasingly turning to alternative solutions to manage operations. Several establishments in Manali have started using electric furnaces, induction cooktops and other electrical equipment, while diesel- and kerosene-run furnaces are also being used as substitutes.

According to Roshan Thakur, president of the Manali Hoteliers Association, many hotels have begun procuring traditional clay tandoors as firewood is easily available in the region, helping ensure uninterrupted food preparation.

The association has also sought to reassure tourists planning to visit Manali, stating that there will be no shortage of food. Electric ovens are already being used for preparing items such as baked products and pizzas, while a simplified menu featuring Indian and Chinese dishes has been introduced so that meals can be conveniently cooked using alternative methods.

He further said that the shift is not limited to hotels alone, as restaurants and dhaba operators are also adopting similar arrangements. Thakur added that hoteliers in Manali are fully prepared to manage the situation so that the tourism sector remains unaffected and visitors do not face any inconvenience.

Amid ongoing concerns about irregular LPG supplies, the Delhi Police has increased surveillance at LPG storage facilities and distribution centres across the city.

Personnel in plain clothes have been deployed and meetings are being held with gas distributors, with officials warning that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found engaging in black marketing, according to PTI.

The heightened monitoring follows the recent decision to cancel routine leave for police personnel in order to maintain law and order as anxiety grows among households and businesses over the availability of cooking gas.

Police teams have also been positioned near LPG godowns and distribution outlets, both in uniform and civilian attire, to keep a close watch on the situation and prevent hoarding or illegal sale of cylinders.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly Tikaram Jully on Saturday alleged that the public is facing hardships due to a shortage of cooking gas, while accusing the government of focusing on criticising the Indian National Congress instead of addressing the problem, according to PTI.

He called on the authorities to end the “blame game” and take immediate steps to streamline the supply mechanism, along with initiating strict action against the black marketing of LPG cylinders.

Sikkim Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva on Saturday instructed all district police units to take strict action on complaints related to hoarding of LPG cylinders and overcharging by distributors.

He also directed officials to initiate action against the diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for use in hotels and restaurants across the Himalayan state, as per PTI.

In a communication issued to Superintendents of Police, Sub-Divisional Police Officers and Station House Officers, the DGP said that several complaints had been received from consumers in different parts of Sikkim alleging irregularities in the distribution of LPG cylinders.

Bihar Transport Minister Shrawon Kumar and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha on Saturday claimed that rumours about an LPG shortage in the state are part of a “political conspiracy”, according to PTI.

Their comments came against the backdrop of reports of large crowds gathering outside distribution centres in several districts to secure LPG cylinders.

Kumar said, "There is a well-thought-out political conspiracy behind the rumours of LPG cylinder shortage."

The state-level coordinator representing three major oil marketing companies on Saturday sought to calm concerns about a possible fuel shortage and appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours, according to PTI.

M. Annadurai, Executive Director and State Head for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry at Indian Oil Corporation, said that fuel terminals operated by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation have adequate reserves of High Speed Diesel and Motor Spirit (petrol), sufficient to meet demand for the next nine days.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday said that consumers with piped natural gas (PNG) connections will no longer be allowed to keep, obtain or refill domestic LPG cylinders following changes made to the supply order, reported Reuters.

In a statement, the ministry added that government-run oil companies have also been directed not to issue new LPG connections or provide refills to households that are already using PNG connections.

Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) at the Ministry, Sujata Sharma said that the country produces adequate quantities of petrol and diesel to meet its domestic requirements, and therefore there is no necessity to rely on imports, according to ANI.

Regarding natural gas, the official added that the government is encouraging commercial users affected by disruptions in LPG supply to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) connections.

The central government on Saturday stated that “LPG supply is still a matter of concern” amid the Middle East conflict, according to Reuters

The representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, on Saturday reiterated that Indian ships would be permitted to pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing tensions linked to the conflict in West Asia, according to ANI.

“Vessels that have crossed Strait of Hormuz are carrying 92,000 tons of LPG, will reach India March 16-17,” an Indian official said, according to Reuters. They added that Indian-flagged LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda devi have crossed the Strait of Hormuz. They further noted commercial LPG cylinders are being supplied to industries in certain states.

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday said that the police have been directed to initiate legal action against individuals found hoarding LPG cylinders or engaging in black marketing.

Referring to the supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, he expressed optimism that normal availability of LPG would be restored at the earliest.

"If anyone tries to hoard or black market gas cylinders, legal action will be taken against them. Police have been given instructions in this regard across the state...We will not allow it," Parameshwara said, according to PTI.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that petrol and diesel supplies remain sufficient at fuel stations across the country. “Consumers are advised not to take or store fuel in loose or inappropriate containers, as it poses serious safety risks,” it said.

The ministry also noted that retail fuel outlets have been directed to strictly adhere to prescribed safety norms while dispensing fuel. It added that any violations of these guidelines would result in stringent action.

Following a review meeting chaired by MK Stalin with senior officials, the Government of Tamil Nadu announced a series of measures, according to an official release.

The Chief Minister stated that restaurants, tea stalls, cloud kitchens and other food preparation units that shift from LPG to electric stoves will be provided a subsidy of ₹2 per unit on the additional electricity consumed. The subsidy will continue for as long as the restrictions on the use of commercial LPG, imposed by the Central Government, remain in effect, according to ANI.

Roopa Shastri, owner of Rasapaka Hotel in Bengaluru’s Gandhinagar, has written directly to PM Narendra Modi on behalf of women entrepreneurs, urging swift measures to address the reported shortage of LPG in the wake of the West Asia conflict. She also sought special consideration for hotels operated by women, according to ANI.

"With a more than 50% reduction in the supply of commercial cylinders, it is becoming impossible to run hotels like our Rasapata, which feed hundreds of people every day," she said in the letter.

In her letter to PM Modi, she requested an early resolution to the difficulties faced by women hoteliers in Karnataka due to the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. She pointed out that entrepreneurs like her are struggling as supplies have reportedly fallen by more than 50 per cent.

"Economic blow to women entrepreneurs: The increase in cylinder prices is completely wiping out our profit margins. It is hitting the livelihood of thousands of women workers who rely on it.

'It is very regrettable that the industries we have built with our hard work have reached a critical stage due to a lack of fuel, which is an obstacle to women's empowerment," she wrote in the letter.

Senior Indian National Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao on Saturday appealed to the government to take steps to address the growing public anxiety over reports of LPG shortages across the country.

Speaking to ANI, Rao said the prevailing uncertainty is intensifying fear among citizens and has reportedly led to the closure of several hotels. He emphasised the need for proactive communication from the authorities to reassure the public and to curb the possibility of black marketing.

"The war has influenced our country's petrol and diesel. Earlier, people used to cook by using coal and wood, but now everyone is dependent on gas. The public is in a state of panic, thinking there is a shortage, which has even led to the closing of hotels. The Government is saying that there is no shortage, so we have to publicise it more to calm the public... I request the government to ensure that the public knows that there is no shortage to avoid any black marketing..." said Rao.

The Puducherry government has established a control room at the Collectorate to receive complaints regarding the unlawful sale or diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for use in hotels and restaurants, according to PTI.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Muthu Meena said that the public can report such violations through the toll-free helpline number 1077. She added that strict action would be taken under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and other applicable laws to curb these illegal activities.

The director further noted that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed that domestic LPG cylinders must be used exclusively for household purposes and should not be diverted for commercial use.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday assured that India is not facing any shortage of petroleum products, even though the ongoing conflict in West Asia is creating pressure on global energy markets.

Addressing reporters, he noted that the prevailing war-like situation in the Middle East has raised concerns for many nations. He added that several neighbouring countries are already experiencing significant disruptions due to the instability.

"There is no crisis regarding petroleum products in India... the war-like situation in the Middle East has posed a challenge before all countries. Speaking of our neighbouring countries, an emergency-like situation prevails in Pakistan, while schools and colleges have been closed in Bangladesh," he said, according to ANI.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Saturday that LPG cylinder shortage is a nationwide issue and cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance that supplies are on the way, with ships coming in from Iran.

"The shortage of commercial cylinders is throughout the country...The Prime Minister and the central government have assured us that they will supply. Already, two or three ships have started from Iran. I think one ship has already reached. The other two ships are on the way...," Parameshwara told ANI while reassuring the people that relief is on the way.

Uttar Pradesh's Food and Civil Supplies Department conducted searches at 1,483 locations amid LPG crisis due to black marketing of cooking gas cylinders. Six people were arrested in the operation, PTI reported.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Saturday urged the Madhya Pradesh administration to immediately restore a limited supply of commercial LPG cylinders to prevent the "complete shutdown" of the hospitality and food service sector in Bhopal, PTI reported.

The traders' body warned that if the supply is not restored within days, the entire hospitality sector in the state capital could face closure, threatening thousands of livelihoods and disrupting the food supply.

A Food supplies department team has recovered 57 cylinders stocked illegally at a gas agency in Pune's Pimpri Chinchwad area, an official told PTI today.

“We found 57 domestic LPG cylinders stocked in the godown without permission. The process to charge the gas agency under Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act has begun,” the official stated.

He added that the action at Bopodi was conducted as per directions from the district collectorate and was based on a complaint.

The Food Distribution Department cracked down on a gang involved in the black marketing of domestic and commercial gas cylinders in the Worli area and seized a large stock, officials told ANI on Saturday.

The joint operation, conducted by the Controller Food Rationing Office squad and officers from Office No. 21, targeted illegal stockpiling and selling of gas cylinders at inflated prices in the 'Suraj Vallabhdas Chawl' area on Ganpatrao Kadam Road at Worli Naka.

Customers can conveniently book LPG refills from home through:

— WhatsApp booking

— SMS/IVRS Booking

— Respective OMC mobile apps

Amid LPG supply shortage, hotels and restaurants in Madhya Pradesh are turning to the traditional ‘tandoor’ and electric appliances to sustain their businesses, PTI reported.

It its advisory, the Madhya Pradesh Hotel Association (MPHA) asked members to ditch gas for traditional wood-fired ‘tandoors’ and switch to ‘crisis menus’ to keep their businesses afloat. It has also asked eateries to prioritise dishes that require lower gas usage or shorter cooking cycles.

Around 741 LPG cylinders were seized from 102 locations across Chhattisgarh as part of a crackdown on hoarding and black marketing amid the gas shortage issue, an official told PTI.

Teams from the Food Department and district administration have been conducting surprise inspections at suspected locations to curb hoarding of domestic LPG cylinders, an official release stated on Friday.

"So far, 741 cylinders have been seized from 102 places across the state. Raipur district recorded the highest number of seizures with 392 domestic LPG cylinders confiscated, followed by Bilaspur district, where 130 cylinders were seized," it said.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan slammed the opposition over repeated disruptions in Parliament, saying that Congress has turned it into a "shop of lies".

He said that rumours, confusion, and propaganda form the very foundation of Congress' politics.

In a post on X, Pradhan on Friday said that under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, the government is working with a spirit of cooperation and solutions for nation-building, yet the opposition, especially Congress, is demonstrating a new low in democratic decorum in Parliament every single day.

Cooking gas prices were hiked across India, pushing up the cost of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders amid supply disruptions

The price of a 14.2 kg domestic cooking gas cylinder was raised by ₹60 around a week back, while the 19 kg commercial cylinder has become costlier by ₹144 across major cities and states of the country.

Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur said there was no shortage of LPG for the Mid-Day Meal scheme in schools, even as some parts of the state have concerns over gas supply.

He further added that the state government has made adequate arrangements to ensure uninterrupted cooking of meals for students.

Speaking to ANI, the minister on Friday said the overall LPG supply situation in the state was currently under control, and authorities are closely monitoring the availability of essential commodities.

The Gujarat government has decided to provide new PNG (piped natural gas) connections to restaurants, hotels, educational institutes and socio-religious institutions located in areas where city pipeline distribution network is available, if they apply for the facility, PTI reported.

The decision was taken on Friday at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The meeting reviewed the status of PNG and petroleum products in the state in the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in West Asia which has severely disrupted global energy supplies.