LPG refill bookings have fallen to around 77 lakh from nearly 88.8 lakh earlier, signalling a cooling of panic buying, while the government maintained that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or cooking gas despite tensions in West Asia, PTI reported.
In its daily status note on the situation, the government said the proportion of LPG bookings made online has increased to about 87 per cent, up from 84 per cent, following a campaign by oil marketing companies urging consumers to use digital platforms instead of visiting distributors.
Officials said all domestic refineries are running at high utilisation levels and crude inventories remain adequate. India continues to be self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production, with no need for imports to meet domestic demand.
Oil marketing companies have reported normal supply across the country, with no cases of fuel pumps or LPG distributors running dry.
“Bookings for LPG cylinders declined to around 77 lakh yesterday compared to 88.8 lakh on March 13, 2026, while online bookings rose to nearly 87 per cent,” the update said.
The government said supplies are being prioritised for households and essential services such as hospitals, schools and other critical institutions.
Several states and Union Territories — including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan — have issued directions for regulated allocation of non-domestic LPG in line with central guidelines. Enforcement teams have also stepped up checks to prevent hoarding and black-marketing of fuel.
Raids have been carried out in states such as Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, while officials of public sector oil marketing companies are conducting surprise inspections at LPG agencies to ensure smooth distribution, PTI reported.
Authorities said sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are available nationwide and urged consumers to avoid panic purchases.
Natural gas supply to priority segments remains protected, with full allocation for piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), while supplies to industrial and commercial users are being moderated to about 80 per cent.
Commercial LPG cylinders have been placed at the disposal of state governments for priority use and are now available in about 30 states and Union Territories.
The government has also amended the LPG Control Order to require consumers who have PNG connections to surrender domestic LPG connections, while refineries have been instructed to maximise LPG output and booking intervals have been rationalised to ensure fair distribution.
The Ministry of External Affairs is monitoring the West Asia situation closely and assisting Indians in the region through round-the-clock helplines. About 1.94 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region since February 28, the update said.
Oil marketing companies are encouraging digital bookings, keeping LPG agencies open on Sundays and discouraging unnecessary bookings to maintain steady supply.
The government said coordination among ministries and agencies is continuing to ensure preparedness and protect energy security amid the West Asia crisis, PTI reported.
