India Extends LPG Booking Interval to 45 Days in Rural and Remote Regions
New Delhi: Amid rising household demand triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia, the Government of India has introduced stricter administrative measures for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution, including a new rule that consumers may book a refill only after a minimum interval of 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural and remote regions. Previously, consumers could place a refill booking approximately 21 days after the previous delivery, provided a substantial portion of the cylinder had been used. Authorities said the revised booking interval is a temporary rationalisation measure intended to curb panic bookings, prevent hoarding, and ensure equitable access to LPG cylinders for all households.
Officials emphasised that citizens should avoid panic purchases and use digital platforms for LPG bookings, including interactive voice response system calls, short message service messages, WhatsApp, and mobile applications operated by public sector oil marketing companies. Digital bookings now account for approximately 84 per cent of total cylinder orders, highlighting the critical role of online systems in maintaining supply continuity and reducing crowding at distributors.
The advisory follows a surge in LPG bookings, which rose from an average of 55.7 lakh cylinders per day to 88.8 lakh cylinders on Friday, reflecting precautionary purchases by households concerned about the geopolitical situation. Government authorities noted that no LPG distributorship has reported dry-outs and that commercial LPG cylinders have been placed at the disposal of State Governments for priority distribution, with commercial supplies available in 29 States and Union Territories.
In a briefing, officials reiterated that ensuring an uninterrupted domestic LPG supply remains a top priority for the Government, particularly for households, hospitals, and educational institutions. Domestic LPG production at refineries has been increased by approximately 31 per cent, and the entire supply chain is being closely monitored.
India’s overall fuel supply situation is reported to be stable. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, all refineries are operating at high levels with adequate crude oil inventories, and the country remains self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production, with no imports required to meet domestic demand. Oil marketing companies have reported no fuel shortages at retail outlets, and a regular supply of petrol and diesel is ongoing.
Natural gas supply to priority sectors continues to be protected, with 100 per cent provision maintained for piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG). Industrial and commercial consumers are currently receiving about 80 per cent of their normal supply. To reduce LPG demand, the Gas Authority of India Limited conducted video conferences with City Gas Distribution entities in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Jaipur, advising expedited rollout of commercial PNG connections for hotels and restaurants, thereby reducing reliance on LPG cylinders.
State and Union Territory administrations have also taken proactive steps to monitor essential commodities. The Chief Ministers of Haryana and Goa convened review meetings with senior officials and top representatives of oil companies to assess LPG demand and supply. In Telangana, the Chief Secretary reviewed LPG stock positions, supply, and distribution with officials from oil marketing companies and the Civil Supplies Department. Andhra Pradesh authorities held consultations with the Commissioner of Civil Supplies regarding developments in LPG, Public Distribution System, Superior Kerosene Oil (PDS SKO), and commercial LPG. Across the country, 17 States and Union Territories have established control rooms to oversee supply conditions and issue regular public briefings.
Enforcement action against hoarding and black marketing has been actively undertaken. In Maharashtra and Rajasthan, joint inspection teams from the Food and Civil Supplies Departments and public sector oil marketing companies conducted raids at multiple locations. Public sector oil companies carried out approximately 1,300 inspections of LPG distributorships nationwide. In Uttar Pradesh, 1,483 locations were inspected, resulting in 24 FIRs (four against LPG distributors, 20 against individuals), six arrests, and prosecution initiated against 19 individuals. Additional raids were reported in Andhra Pradesh (Tirupati), Bihar, Odisha, and Karnataka to check hoarding and black marketing.
Further measures have been implemented to relieve pressure on LPG supply. The Commission for Air Quality Management issued an order on March 13, 2026, permitting industries, hotels, and restaurants in the National Capital Region to temporarily use biomass or refuse-derived fuel pellets instead of natural gas for one month, while coal or kerosene may be used where alternatives are unavailable. An additional allocation of 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been made to States and Union Territories, and alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal are being deployed in the hospitality sector to reduce LPG demand. Public sector oil companies have been asked to promote digital bookings, discourage panic booking, and avoid unnecessary visits to distributors.
Maritime operations remain a central focus as tensions in the Persian Gulf persist. No new incidents involving Indian seafarers have been reported over the past 24 hours, and all are confirmed safe. Of 24 Indian-flagged vessels west of the Strait of Hormuz, two LPG carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — carrying 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG crossed the strait early on Saturday and are scheduled to reach Mundra Port on March 16 and Kandla Port on March 17. Other vessels remain on standby, and authorities continue efforts to ensure safe and uninterrupted passage.
Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers are in the Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping is monitoring the situation with ship owners, Recruitment and Placement Service License agencies, and Indian missions. Over the past 24 hours, the DG Shipping control room handled 312 calls and 460 emails, while over 15 days it has handled 2,737 calls and more than 4,900 emails, addressing concerns of approximately 1,300 seafarers and their families. A Quick Response Team operates round the clock in coordination with shipping companies, Indian missions, and Protection & Indemnity Club insurers. Thirty seafarers were repatriated in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 253.
Ports have been instructed to provide relief measures, including concessions on anchorage, berth hire, and storage charges, along with lease extensions, such as for 25,000 metric tonnes of barytes cargo at Kamarajar Port. Major ports are providing priority berthing to LPG vessels, with six vessels received recently, and safe anchorage areas are being offered for loaded vessels bound for the Gulf that cannot transit immediately.
The Ministry of External Affairs said India remains actively engaged in West Asia to safeguard the welfare of its citizens and ensure energy security. Since the outbreak of conflict, India has called for de-escalation and resolution through dialogue, emphasising the importance of unimpeded transit of goods and energy, while avoiding attacks on civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities. India maintains close contact with the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran, the United States, and Israel, with continuous diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.
The safety of Indian nationals is being closely monitored. Chartered flights from Kochi have been arranged by Iranian authorities to repatriate stranded Iranian nationals. Since February 28, around 172,000 passengers have returned to India, and air connectivity is improving from Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. Indians in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq are being assisted with visa extensions and onward travel.
In Sohar, Oman, two Indian nationals lost their lives and ten were injured, none seriously. The Embassy is assisting with repatriation of the mortal remains. On March 11, the vessel Safesea Vishnu off Iraq saw 15 Indian crew safely evacuated, with the Mission coordinating their return and repatriation of the deceased crew member. Earlier incidents accounted for five deaths and one missing person, with Indian missions in Oman, Iraq, and UAE coordinating recovery and repatriation.
India currently has more than adequate fertiliser stocks for Kharif 2026. Urea stocks exceed last year’s levels, diammonium phosphate stocks nearly double, and NPK fertilisers are significantly higher. Domestic urea production is expected to exceed consumption as the Rabi season concludes, while global tenders have been placed, with shipments expected by the end of March.
Consultations are ongoing within BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) through the Sherpa channel to develop a common position on the West Asia situation. India, as the current BRICS Chair, is facilitating these consultations and remains engaged with partners, including Russia.
The Government reiterated warnings against fake or AI-generated content, urging citizens to rely on official government channels and for media to disseminate verified information. Detailed updates are available on the social media pages of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and public sector oil marketing companies. State and district authorities, working with oil marketing companies, continue monitoring supply conditions and enforcement measures to prevent hoarding and black marketing, ensuring essential commodities remain available across the country.
– global bihari bureau
