Avoid LPG Distributor Visits, Use Digital Booking: Petroleum Ministry

The Ministry said necessary measures are being undertaken to ensure the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, in view of the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the press release by the concerned Ministry, Citizens are advised to beware of rumours and rely only on official sources for correct information, according to the press release.

"For LPG, citizens are requested to use digital modes for booking of LPG cylinders and avoid visiting LPG distributors unless necessary. Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG, induction and electric cooktops wherever feasible. In the current situation, all citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily usage," the Ministry added.

The Petroleum Ministry further said that the Government has given the highest priority to domestic LPG and PNG, along with high priority to hospitals and educational institutions. It has implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.

Alternate fuel options like Kerosene and coal have been offered to ease pressure on LPG demand. Ministry of Coal has already issued an order to Coal India and Singareni Collieries to allot higher quantities to States for distributing coal to small, medium and other consumers. States have been advised to facilitate the new PNG connections for both domestic and commercial consumers.

Secretary (MoPNG) chaired a meeting with Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries (Food & Civil Supplies) of all States and UTs to review the fuel supply situation and highlighted measures taken to ensure adequate availability.

States were directed to prioritise LPG distribution, especially for domestic and essential needs, while maintaining strict vigilance against hoarding, diversion, and misinformation. On reports concerning FTL LPG supplies to migrant workers, States clarified that there is no disruption in LPG supply affecting migrants and that supplies remain stable. Secretary informed that states may consider managing targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL LPG cylinders, based on local requirements, along with OMCs.

Talking about the supply status of LPG, the Ministry said, "Supply of LPG is affected due to the prevailing geopolitical situation. Despite this, no reported dry-out at LPG distributorships. Online LPG cylinder bookings increased to 94% on an industry basis yesterday. To prevent diversion at the distributor level, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have been increased from 53% (Feb-2026) to 86% yesterday. Around 55 Lakh Domestic LPG Cylinders were delivered on Thursday (4 April 2026).

In terms of the availability of Kerosene, the Petroleum Ministry added that an additional allocation of 48000 KL of Kerosene over and above the regular allocation has been made to all the states and Union Territories.

Govt of India, vide Gazette notification dated 29.03.2026, has facilitated the distribution of PDS SKO in PDS SKO Free States and Union Territories for cooking and lighting purposes only. A maximum of two PSU OMC service stations per district preferably Company Owned Company Operated) are permitted to store up to 5,000 litres of PDS SKO. These PSU OMC service stations shall be designated by the State Government or UT administration in each district. 17 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders. Further, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have communicated that there is no SKO requirement in the States and Union Territories.

- ANI