New Delhi: The central government has directed states and Union territories to closely monitor LPG supplies and take strict action against hoarding and black marketing amid rising concerns over possible disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia. Authorities have also been asked to counter rumours about shortages and maintain law and order to prevent panic among consumers.
The advisory comes after speculation about supply disruptions triggered fears that LPG cylinder availability could be affected due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The situation has drawn attention because the Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial shipping route through which a large share of India’s LPG imports from West Asian countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar pass.
To manage the situation, the Ministry of Home Affairs has established a round the clock control room involving officials from the information and broadcasting ministry as well as the petroleum and natural gas ministry. Authorities said the aim is to ensure smooth distribution and prevent misinformation about LPG availability.
Despite government assurances that domestic LPG supplies remain stable, reports from several cities indicate that cylinders are being sold in the black market at significantly inflated prices. In some areas of Delhi and nearby regions, domestic cylinders have reportedly been sold for around ₹1,400 to ₹1,500. In cities such as Mumbai and Hyderabad, commercial cylinders have been reported to fetch prices close to ₹3,000 or even higher.
Similar price spikes have been reported in cities including Bengaluru, Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi and Kanpur, where domestic cylinders are being sold well above official rates and commercial cylinders are in short supply.
Authorities have also reiterated the rules governing LPG storage in households. Under current regulations, families are allowed to keep two domestic cylinders connected at a time along with one spare cylinder for backup. Storing more cylinders without authorisation can attract penalties under petroleum safety regulations.
During a high level review meeting, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan directed state governments and police officials to ensure that LPG distribution continues smoothly and to crack down on illegal sales.
India consumes about 31.3 million tonnes of LPG annually, with nearly 87 percent used in household kitchens. However, the country relies heavily on imports for about 62 percent of its total LPG demand. Authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation and have urged consumers to avoid panic buying and rely only on authorised distributors for refills.
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