Government says LPG situation still concerning; flags panic bookings, ramps up supply monitoring

The government held an inter-ministerial briefing on the recent developments in the West Asia region, sharing major updates on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply, shipping vessels in the Gulf region, and the repatriation of Indian nationals from the Gulf.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said India’s LPG situation remains “of concern” amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, even as domestic supplies stay stable and no distributor has reported a dryout.

Also Read: India gives major updates on LPG connections, ships in Gulf & citizens' return to homeland


At an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said panic behaviour continues to strain the system, with nearly 70 lakh LPG bookings recorded in a single day despite repeated government appeals to avoid hoarding.

“There is no dryout at any LPG distributor, and supplies to consumers remain smooth,” Sharma said, adding that the government is actively sourcing LPG from multiple global channels to bolster domestic availability.

Government alerts on panic bookings

Officials noted that a strong push toward digital platforms has improved booking patterns, with around 90% of LPG bookings now being made online. Authorities reiterated that citizens should refrain from panic bookings and rely on assured supply chains.

The government also urged states to act swiftly under the Essential Services Act (ESA) by setting up monitoring committees to curb hoarding and blackmarketing, calling their role “critical” in maintaining supply discipline.

Providing an update on maritime logistics, officials said India is closely monitoring shipping movements in the Gulf region, including the safety of seafarers and continuity of trade routes.


Also Read: LPG bookings fall to 77 lakh; no fuel shortages, online bookings rise after govt campaign

An Indian LPG carrier has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and is set to dock in India, with priority berthing and cargo discharge arrangements already in place. Another vessel is expected to arrive shortly, while 22 Indian-flagged ships with over 600 seafarers remain in the region under active surveillance.

Separately, an Indian crude oil vessel carrying around 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude from the UAE is safely en route to Mundra port.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, says, "Petrol and diesel are available in sufficient quantity. Regarding natural gas, as I told you, the Government of India is making efforts and it would be beneficial if all commercial LPG consumers shifted to PNG."

She also added, “regarding enforcement action, so far, about twelve thousand raids have been conducted in the last few days. About fifteen thousand cylinders have been seized...Yesterday in Delhi, about six hundred cylinders were seized. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, about four hundred and fifty inspections and raids have been conducted in the last few days. Ten people have also been arrested. In Jammu and Kashmir, five hundred and sixty-four raids have been conducted, FIRs have been filed, and arrests have also been made. In Kerala, about a thousand raids and inspections have been conducted and domestic and commercial cylinders have been seized. In Madhya Pradesh, too, about twelve hundred raids have been conducted and about eighteen hundred cylinders have been seized. Apart from this, the inspection teams of our oil marketing companies have also been activated and surprise inspections have been conducted at about two and a half thousand retail outlets and LPG distributorships."

Mortal remains of two Indian nationals have arrived in India today, MEA said.


Govt pushes alternatives, assures fuel sufficiency




Authorities said natural gas supply to CNG and PNG consumers remains at 100%, while alternative fuels such as kerosene and coal are being activated for select sectors like hospitality.

Reassuring on broader energy security, Sharma said India has adequate crude supplies and fully operational refineries, ensuring there is no shortage of petrol or diesel.