The supply of domestic LPG across India remains stable, with the sale of 5 kg cylinders witnessing a sharp rise, particularly among migrant workers. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, over 1.1 lakh small LPG cylinders were sold on Monday alone, taking the cumulative total to 14.3 lakh since March 23, reported IANS.
The increase reflects a significant surge in demand for smaller cylinders, which are widely used by migrant labourers for cooking purposes.
Surge in demand for 5 kg LPG cylinders
Officials noted that the daily average sale of 5 kg cylinders has risen considerably, from around 77,000 in February to approximately 1.1 lakh currently. The spike comes amid changing consumption patterns and increased reliance on portable cooking solutions, reported IANS.
The government maintained that supply chains remain intact despite global uncertainties, ensuring uninterrupted access to LPG for households across the country, reported IANS.
Digital bookings and delivery authentication on the rise
The ministry highlighted a major shift towards digital platforms, with nearly 98 per cent of LPG bookings now being made online across the industry, reported IANS.
Additionally, around 92 per cent of deliveries are being completed using Delivery Authentication Codes (DAC), sent to consumers’ registered mobile numbers. This system has been implemented to curb leakages and prevent diversion of cylinders at the distributor level, reported IANS.
PNG connections expand significantly
The expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure has also gained momentum. Since March 2026, approximately 4.4 lakh PNG connections have been activated, while nearly 4.88 lakh new customers have registered for connections, reported IANS.
In a notable trend, over 33,000 consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG connections through the MYPNGD.in portal, indicating a shift towards cleaner and more convenient fuel alternatives.
Commercial LPG sales and supply coordination
The supply of commercial LPG has also remained robust. The equivalent of over 4.5 lakh 19 kg cylinders was sold on Monday, taking the total to more than 69.28 lakh since March 14, reported IANS.
To streamline distribution, a three-member committee comprising executive directors from Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is coordinating with state authorities and industry stakeholders, reported IANS.
Crackdown on hoarding and black marketing
As part of ongoing enforcement measures, public sector oil companies have intensified inspections across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG.
Authorities have imposed penalties on 232 LPG distributorships, while 56 distributorships have been suspended so far. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair distribution and preventing misuse of subsidised fuel, reported IANS.
Government assures adequate fuel stocks
Officials confirmed that all refineries are operating at high capacity, with sufficient crude inventories and adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG available nationwide, reported IANS.
Domestic LPG production has been ramped up to meet rising demand, particularly for essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.
The government has urged citizens to avoid panic buying or unnecessary bookings, advising consumers to rely on official information and use digital platforms for LPG services. It also announced that the enhanced commercial LPG usage limit – set at 70 per cent of pre-March 2026 consumption – will be extended to key industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, steel, and manufacturing.
(With inputs from IANS)