“>
The government on Wednesday urged consumers not to rush to book domestic LPG cylinders amid reports of panic buying, stating that the normal delivery cycle remains unchanged.
Addressing the media, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the delivery cycle for domestic LPG continues to be about 2.5 days.
“Amid reports of panic booking, the normal delivery cycle for domestic LPG remains 2.5 days. We urge people not to rush to book cylinders,” Sharma said.
Her remarks come as several parts of the country report LPG shortages following supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the US-Israel alliance.
Sharma said the government has absorbed part of the cost increases caused by the crisis to shield consumers from higher prices.
“The current price of domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi is ₹913. This is after the increase of ₹60. Without intervention, the market price would have been higher,” she said.
She added that domestic LPG production has increased by 25 per cent, and that the additional supply is being directed to household consumers to maintain availability.
To prevent diversion of cylinders at the distributor level, the government has implemented the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system.
Sharma also said the government has absorbed a significant portion of cost increases, keeping LPG prices in India lower than in many neighbouring countries, and appealed to citizens to cooperate with officials.
Sharma reiterated that the government is closely monitoring energy supplies and taking steps to manage the situation.
“The government is constantly monitoring energy supplies and undertaking important measures amid world crisis. We urge (all) to save fuel,” she said.
The Petroleum Ministry earlier invoked the Essential Commodities Act on March 6, directing oil marketing companies — Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) — to prioritise supply for around 30 crore household connections, as well as hospitals and schools, over industrial users.
The government has also set up a three-member panel to monitor LPG stocks, extend refill cycles to 25 days, and take action against hoarding.
