Centre Prioritises Domestic Consumers Amid LPG Supply Concerns; Opposition Raises Questions
New Delhi: Amid prevailing global geopolitical tensions and their impact on fuel supply chains, the Central Government has taken several measures to ensure the uninterrupted availability of domestic cooking gas (LPG) across the country. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of the Government of India has directed oil refineries to increase LPG production to maintain stable supplies.
In light of current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on supply of LPG, Ministry has issued orders to oil refineries for higher LPG production and using such extra production for domestic LPG use.
The ministry has prioritised domestic LPG supply to…
— Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas #MoPNG (@PetroleumMin) March 9, 2026
In an official statement, the ministry said the decision was taken in view of existing geopolitical disruptions affecting fuel supplies and possible interruptions in LPG availability. The additional LPG produced by refineries will primarily be used to meet the needs of domestic consumers.
The government has clarified that household LPG supply will be given the highest priority. To prevent hoarding and black marketing, a 25-day inter-booking period has been introduced for domestic LPG cylinders.
According to the ministry, imported LPG will continue to be supplied to non-domestic sectors, but priority will be given to essential services. Hospitals and educational institutions will receive priority in non-domestic LPG allocation.
To review supply requests from other non-domestic sectors such as restaurants, hotels and industries, a committee comprising three Executive Directors (EDs) from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) has been constituted. The committee will examine representations received from various sectors and take appropriate decisions regarding LPG supply.
Meanwhile, the opposition has raised concerns over the alleged shortage of LPG cylinders in several areas. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji said long queues for LPG cylinders and fuel are being witnessed in places including Ranchi.
“Long queues for LPG cylinders are being seen in Ranchi, and there are also long lines at petrol pumps. People are worried about what may happen in the coming days. The government says there is a one-month stock, but there is no guarantee about when the war will end. Since it is a matter related to national security, the government should clearly explain its policies,” she said.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also criticised the government’s policy, alleging that the administration had first increased prices of domestic and commercial LPG and now the country is facing supply concerns.
“The war has lasted only 9–10 days and already there are reports of gas shortages. Now domestic LPG cannot be booked before 25 days. The Ministry of Petroleum is responsible for this situation,” he said.
Tiwari further remarked that India should have a clearer and more self-reliant energy policy so that the country does not depend on external circumstances or pressures for its energy needs.
Amid the government’s measures and the opposition’s criticism, the issue of LPG supply has emerged as a topic of national debate. While the government maintains that adequate arrangements are being made to meet domestic demand, the opposition is demanding greater transparency and clarity in policy decisions.