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LPG Panic Subsides: Bookings Drop 13% as Government Cracks Down on Hoarding

LPG cylinder bookings have seen a significant decline, indicating easing consumer panic over availability. Government authorities are conducting raids across states to prevent hoarding and black marketing of domestic gas. Supply remains uninterrupted with no reported dry-outs at distributorships, as oil marketing companies maintain regular fuel supplies. Citizens are advised to use digital booking platforms and avoid panic bookings, with the government prioritizing household and essential sector needs.

Key Points: LPG Bookings Decline as Government Ensures Supply, Cracks Down on Hoarding

  • LPG bookings decline 13% in a day
  • Raids conducted to check hoarding & black marketing
  • No dry-outs reported at distributors
  • Digital booking platforms promoted
2 min read

LPG bookings decline as consumer panic eases, raids on to check hoarding and black marketing

LPG cylinder bookings drop as panic eases. Government conducts raids against hoarding, ensures digital booking and uninterrupted supply for households.

"with about 77 lakh bookings recorded on 14th March 2026 compared to 88.8 lakh bookings on 13th March 2026 - PIB India"

New Delhi, March 16

There has been a decline in LPG bookings as panic eased among consumers over the availability of domestic gas, while raids are being conducted across states to check hoarding and black marketing, an official statement said on Monday.

PIB India posted on X that there has been a drop in LPG bookings, "with about 77 lakh bookings recorded on 14th March 2026 compared to 88.8 lakh bookings on 13th March 2026".

"Online LPG cylinder bookings increased from 84 per cent to about 87 per cent, and there has been no reported dry-outs at LPG distributorships," the post added.

It further stated that raids are being conducted across states to check hoarding and black marketing, and 22 states and Union Territories (UTs) have established control rooms to monitor the situation.

Consumers are requested to avoid panic bookings, use digital booking platforms and avoid unnecessary visits to LPG distributors, the statement suggested.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the government continues to prioritise the interests of domestic consumers and ensure uninterrupted LPG supply, particularly for households and priority sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions, the ministry said in a statement.

No cases of fuel dry-outs have been reported at retail outlets by oil marketing companies (OMCs) -- Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum -- as supplies of petrol and diesel continue to be maintained regularly, according to the ministry.

Citizens are advised not to panic as the government remains committed to maintaining adequate LPG availability for households and essential sectors. LPG cylinders can be booked through multiple digital platforms, including IVRS calls, SMS booking, WhatsApp booking, and mobile applications of OMCs.

The OMCs are promoting digital bookings, discouraging panic bookings and keeping LPG distributorships open on Sundays to facilitate smooth supply.

LPG supply continues to be monitored in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Digital booking is the way forward! I booked via WhatsApp and got my cylinder in 2 days without any hassle. People should trust the system more. Panic only helps the black marketers.
S
Suresh O
While the news is positive, I hope the raids are genuine and not just for show. In my area, some distributors still ask for extra cash for "priority delivery". The control rooms need to be truly effective.
A
Anjali F
This is a relief. Cooking gas is essential for every Indian household. The government must ensure supply chains are robust, especially with the geopolitical situation mentioned. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the data - 77 lakh bookings down from 88.8 lakh. Shows how quickly rumors spread. The focus on digital platforms is smart, reduces crowding at distributors.
K
Kavya N
Keeping distributors open on Sundays is a great step for working families. My request: please also improve the IVRS system. Last time I called, it was very confusing to navigate.

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