Government Reviews 10 Kg LPG Cylinder Plan Amid Supply Concerns, Says No Shortage

The government is considering supplying smaller 10 kg LPG cylinders instead of the standard 14.2 kg as a contingency measure amid supply concerns linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, according to PTI.

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The proposal is being examined to ensure wider distribution of cooking gas in case of supply disruptions. However, officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas have stated that no final decision has been taken and described reports of an imminent rollout as speculative.

Supply Status Remains Stable

The government has clarified that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders and that supply across the country remains uninterrupted. According to PTI, authorities confirmed that there are no “dry-outs” at the retail level, and distribution networks are functioning normally.

Domestic LPG and piped natural gas (PNG) supplies continue to be prioritised, with uninterrupted delivery maintained across regions.

Demand Surge And Monitoring Measures

Online LPG bookings had initially surged by 94% amid concerns over availability, according to official data cited by PTI. However, demand has since stabilised.

To streamline supply and prevent misuse, authentication systems are now in place for about 83% of LPG deliveries. The above steps are being taken to curb panic bookings.

Action Against Hoarding

The government has stepped up vigilance through the Essential Commodities Act to curb cases of hoarding and black marketing. PTI stated that over 1,100 raids were conducted in Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the confiscation of 1,000 cylinders.

The states and union territories have been instructed to take stern action against any diversion of gas and ensure a smooth supply to consumers.

Preparedness Measures

As part of monitoring the situation, several states have set up control rooms and helplines. Monitoring committees at the district level have been set up in 25 states to monitor LPG and PNG supplies.

Additional commercial LPG supplies and kerosene allocations have been arranged where required to support distribution networks.

Import Dependence And Supply Lines

However, the country remains dependent on LPG imports, with around 47% of LPG being imported from Qatar, according to data provided by the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell, as per information provided by PTI. Officials have confirmed that the supply lines are stable despite tensions.

The review of other forms of distribution, like smaller LPG cylinders, is part of contingency planning, but the availability of LPG in the country is meeting demand.