Government Urges Public To Avoid LPG Panic Booking
The Centre on Friday urged people not to queue outside LPG distributors or engage in panic booking, saying household supplies remain uninterrupted despite concerns triggered by the West Asia conflict and the Strait of Hormuz disruption. The government said no distributor across the country has reported a dry-out and appealed to consumers not to act on rumours.
LPG Supply Remains Uninterrupted
At a joint inter-ministerial briefing, officials said domestic LPG supply to households is continuing without interruption and that hospitals and educational institutions are also receiving cylinders on priority. The government said domestic LPG production has risen by 30% compared with March 5, with refineries increasing output to cushion any pressure created by import concerns.
Online LPG Booking Rises Sharply
The government said more consumers are now shifting to digital booking instead of visiting agencies in person. Online LPG bookings rose to 83% in March from 71% in February, and officials used that data to reinforce their appeal against crowding outside distributor offices. Authorities said there was no need for consumers to wait in physical queues as deliveries were continuing through the usual channels.
Govt Pushes PNG Shift And Anti-Hoarding Action
Officials acknowledged that LPG remains an area of concern because a major share of India’s imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz, but stressed that the current situation has not led to an actual supply collapse. The Centre said action is being taken against black marketing and hoarding, while also asking households and commercial users who can shift to PNG to do so immediately. Commercial LPG cylinders have been placed under state-level priority distribution, especially for users facing difficulty in large cities. The government also said petrol, diesel, PNG and CNG supplies remain available without interruption.
