Parliament Question: Shortage of LPG cylinders

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 4121 ANSWERED ON- 30/03/2026 SHORTAGE OF LPG CYLINDERS 4121 SHRI JAVED ALI KHAN: Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware that there is acute shortage of domestic LPG cylinders at gas agencies in various parts of the country including the State of Uttar Pradesh; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the reasons for such sudden shortage of LPG cylinders in the country; (d) whether Government has stopped delivery of commercial LPG cylinders in the country; and (e) if so, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI) (a) to (e):India imports about 60 percent of its LPG consumption, out of which about 90 percent transits through the Strait of Hormuz. In view of the ongoing geopolitical developments in West Asia, the availability of imported LPG in the country has been impacted. The Government has undertaken a series of proactive measures to ensure stability in LPG supplies. These include prioritization of domestic LPG consumption, diversification of import sources, dynamic stock management and inter-regional allocation to address localized shortages. While domestic LPG supplies have been prioritised, commercial LPG supplies were initially impacted. Subsequently, Government restored partial supplies of 20% to commercial consumers, which was further enhanced to an overall allocation of 50%, including 10% linked to PNG expansion reforms. This allocation has been prioritised for key sectors such as restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing and dairy units, subsidised canteens run by State Governments or local bodies, community kitchens, and 5 kg FTL cylinders for migrant labourers. From 14.03.2026 to 21.03.2026, approximately 15,440 MT of commercial LPG has been uplifted across States and UTs. Additionally, educational institutions and hospitals continue to receive priority, accounting for around 50% of the total commercial LPG allocation. In continuation of these measures, Government has further enhanced allocation of commercial LPG by an additional 20%, taking the total allocation to 70% of the pre-crisis level (including the 10% reform-linked component). This additional allocation is being prioritised for labour-intensive and core industrial sectors, including steel, automobile, textile, dye, chemicals and plastics, with preference to process industries and those requiring LPG for specialised heating purposes where substitution with natural gas is not feasible. Entities seeking allocation under this additional 20% are required to comply with existing conditions relating to registration with OMCs and application for PNG connections to CGD entities, as stipulated earlier. However, in cases where LPG is required for specialised process use that cannot be substituted by natural gas, such requirements are being waived. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have constituted a three-member Committee at the Executive Director level to oversee and ensure rationalised and equitable distribution of commercial LPG across States. States/UTs have also been advised to expedite implementation of PNG-related reforms to avail the additional 10% reform-linked allocation. ********