New Delhi: The Union government has dismissed reports suggesting that oil marketing companies may begin supplying only 10 kilograms of cooking gas in standard 14.2 kilogram domestic LPG cylinders. Officials clarified that such claims are speculative and urged consumers not to believe rumours circulating amid concerns over supply disruptions.
Responding to the reports, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma said there was no official decision or explanation regarding the proposal. She described the claims as “highly speculative” and assured that the supply of domestic LPG cylinders across the country remains stable.
The clarification comes as the ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted maritime movement through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key route used for transporting oil and gas shipments. The instability in the region has affected energy supply chains globally, raising concerns about the availability of LPG imports.
While government officials denied any immediate plan to reduce the quantity of LPG in cylinders, sources within oil marketing companies indicated that a proposal has been submitted for consideration. According to refinery officials, any decision on the matter would ultimately have to be taken by the government.
Despite the uncertainties in global supply routes, authorities say domestic availability of cooking gas has not been significantly affected. Officials noted that bookings for cylinder refills have stabilised at around 50 lakh, while distribution networks continue to operate normally across the country.
To manage the situation, domestic refiners have also increased LPG production. As a result, the share of India’s cooking gas demand being met through local production has risen to about 50 to 60 percent, compared to roughly 40 percent earlier.
India currently imports nearly 60 percent of its LPG requirements, making global shipping routes crucial for maintaining supply. Recent data indicate a decline in incoming cargo shipments, with only a few vessels managing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the past week, carrying volumes that would cover only a limited portion of the country’s daily demand.
Several LPG carriers bound for India are also reported to be waiting in the Persian Gulf for clearance to proceed through the conflict affected waters.
