LPG Supply Stable Despite Geopolitical Disruptions

New Delhi, April 17: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said domestic LPG supply remains stable despite geopolitical disruptions, with online bookings rising to 98% and no reported shortages at distributor levels.

The government has ensured uninterrupted supply of LPG, PNG and CNG, while strengthening monitoring mechanisms to prevent diversion. Deliveries authenticated via digital codes now account for around 92%, improving transparency at the distributor level.

Demand for alternative fuels has gained traction, with 4.58 lakh new PNG connections activated and over 5.1 lakh additional registrations since March. Around 35,000 consumers have shifted from LPG to PNG through the MYPNGD platform.

On the supply side, priority allocation has been given to critical sectors including healthcare, education, pharmaceuticals, steel and agriculture. Distribution of 5 kg LPG cylinders for migrant workers has also been doubled.

Commercial LPG consumption remains robust, with over 1.42 lakh metric tonnes sold since mid-March. Public sector oil companies have also ramped up auto LPG supply, recording a 62% increase amid shifting demand from private players.

To curb malpractice, enforcement has intensified with over 2,500 raids conducted nationwide. PSU oil marketing companies have penalised 238 distributors and suspended 63 for violations.

The government has urged consumers to avoid panic buying and adopt digital booking channels, while encouraging the use of alternative fuels such as PNG and electric cooking solutions. Supply-side measures, including higher refinery output and revised booking intervals, have also been implemented to manage demand effectively.