The India LPG shortage remains critical as oil marketing companies (OMCs) explore emergency measures to ensure equitable distribution of cooking gas across the country.
Sources indicate that OMCs may consider delivering underweight LPG cylinders to manage supply constraints. However, officials from the petroleum ministry have dismissed reports suggesting that 10 kg gas will be supplied in 14.2 kg domestic cylinders, calling such claims “highly speculative.”
India LPG Shortage: Govt Denies Underweight Cylinder Plan
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the petroleum ministry, rejected the reports. She stated that such claims are rumors and should not be believed.
“There cannot be any comment or explanation to speculation,” she said, adding that the situation is being closely monitored.
Meanwhile, a senior official from a state-run OMC confirmed that the proposal is under consideration. However, any final decision will depend on government approval.
India LPG Shortage Eases Slightly with Improved Supply
Despite the ongoing LPG shortage, there are signs of marginal improvement.
Daily refill bookings have eased to around 50 lakh, while supply continues across the country. Refiners have also increased LPG production.
As a result, 50–60% of demand is now being met through domestic production, compared to about 40% earlier.
India LPG Shortage Linked to Hormuz Disruption
The LPG shortage has been triggered by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
This key route handles a major portion of India’s oil and gas imports. Supply disruptions have forced the government to prioritize domestic consumption while limiting supply to commercial users.
India LPG Shortage Impact on Consumers and PNG Shift
India currently has 33.2 crore LPG connections, making supply stability crucial.
In response to the LPG shortage, around 2 lakh consumers have switched to piped natural gas (PNG) in the last 10 days. Additionally, 3.5 lakh new PNG connections have been issued.
Officials have dismissed reports of fuel dry-outs, stating that supplies remain stable despite challenges.
Conclusion
The LPG shortage continues to pressure supply chains and policymakers. While the government denies underweight cylinder plans, alternative measures and increased domestic production are being explored to stabilize the situation.
