1.72 crore LPG cylinders delivered in 4 days amid Hormuz crisis, no dry-outs
Synopsis
Even as the Strait of Hormuz closure rattles global energy supply chains, India delivered over 1.72 crore LPG cylinders in just four days with zero dry-outs — backed by 6,950 raids, 428 distributor penalties, and a surge in digital bookings to 99 per cent. The numbers signal a government determined to prevent a domestic cooking gas crisis from a geopolitical fire it cannot control.
Key Takeaways
More than 1.72 crore domestic LPG cylinders were delivered in the last four days against bookings of 1.69 crore , with no dry-outs at any retail distributorship.
Online LPG bookings reached nearly 99 per cent industry-wide; DAC-based deliveries rose to 95 per cent to curb diversion.
More than 6,950 raids were conducted across India; 428 LPG distributorships penalised and 80 suspended .
About 1.90 lakh five-kilogram cylinders for migrant labourers and 25,204 metric tonnes of commercial LPG were also sold in the same period.
Since March 2026 , 10.13 lakh piped natural gas connections have been created or are infrastructure-ready, with 7.76 lakh new customers registered.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has advised citizens against panic buying amid the Strait of Hormuz disruption.
More than 1.72 crore domestic LPG cylinders were delivered across India over the last four days against bookings of approximately 1.69 crore cylinders, with cooking gas supply remaining normal and no dry-outs reported at any retail distributorship, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated on Monday, 18 May. The figures come despite ongoing supply chain disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East conflict.
Supply and Delivery Numbers
Online LPG booking rates climbed to nearly 99 per cent on an industry-wide basis as of Sunday. Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries — where a one-time code is sent to the consumer's registered mobile number to verify receipt — rose to approximately 95 per cent, a measure specifically designed to prevent diversion of cylinders to the black market.
In addition to standard domestic cylinders, about 1.90 lakh small five-kilogram LPG cylinders, used primarily by migrant labourers, were also sold during the same period. A further 25,204 metric tonnes of commercial LPG was sold over the four days.
Crackdown on Hoarding and Black Marketing
Enforcement agencies conducted more than 6,950 raids across the country over the last four days to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Officials from public sector oil companies carried out surprise inspections at approximately 2,800 retail outlets and LPG distributorships. As a result, penalties were imposed on 428 LPG distributorships, and 80 distributorships were suspended until Sunday.
A three-member committee comprising Executive Directors of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) — in consultation with state authorities and industry bodies — is overseeing the plan for commercial LPG distribution across states and Jammu and Kashmir.
Piped Natural Gas Expansion
Since March 2026, approximately 7.37 lakh piped natural gas (PNG) connections have been operationalised, with infrastructure created for an additional 2.76 lakh connections, bringing the cumulative total to 10.13 lakh connections. About 7.76 lakh customers have been registered for new PNG connections.
Government Advisory and Refinery Operations
The Ministry urged citizens to avoid panic purchases of petrol, diesel, and LPG, and to rely on official sources rather than rumours. LPG consumers were specifically asked to use digital booking platforms and refrain from visiting distributors in person.
All refineries are reportedly operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and local LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption. The government has stated it is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products across the country despite the Hormuz disruption.
Point of View
But the real story is the enforcement blitz — 6,950 raids and 428 penalties in four days signal that the government anticipated a black market surge the moment Hormuz headlines broke. What the update does not address is how long India's crude inventory buffer can hold if the Strait closure extends beyond weeks; 'adequate inventories' is a confidence signal, not a timeline. The push to 99 per cent digital bookings is also quietly significant: it creates an audit trail that makes diversion harder and enforcement faster — a structural fix that outlasts the current crisis.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many LPG cylinders were delivered in the last four days in India?
More than 1.72 crore domestic LPG cylinders were delivered across India in the last four days, against bookings of approximately 1.69 crore cylinders. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed that no dry-outs were reported at any retail distributorship during this period.
Is India's LPG supply affected by the Strait of Hormuz closure?
The Strait of Hormuz closure has caused supply chain disruptions, but the government says domestic LPG supply remains normal with no shortages at the retail level. All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and local LPG production has been increased to compensate.
What action is the government taking against LPG black marketing?
Over 6,950 raids have been conducted across the country in the last four days. Penalties have been imposed on 428 LPG distributorships, and 80 were suspended. Surprise inspections were also carried out at approximately 2,800 retail outlets and distributorships by public sector oil company officials.
What is the Delivery Authentication Code system for LPG?
The Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system sends a one-time verification code to a consumer's registered mobile number, which must be shared with the delivery person to confirm receipt. DAC-based deliveries have reached approximately 95 per cent to prevent cylinders from being diverted to the black market.
How is India expanding piped natural gas infrastructure?
Since March 2026, about 7.37 lakh piped natural gas connections have been operationalised, with infrastructure in place for an additional 2.76 lakh connections, totalling 10.13 lakh connections. Around 7.76 lakh customers have also been registered for new connections.
