More than 87.28 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered against bookings of approximately 88.82 lakh cylinders in the last two days, with 95% of deliveries authenticated via codes sent to registered mobile numbers of consumers — a measure designed to prevent diversion at the distributor level, according to an update issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Wednesday, 6 May. The government said LPG supply remains normal despite disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Supply Figures

Online bookings for domestic cooking gas have risen to 99%, and no dry-outs have been reported at retail distributorships across the country, the ministry stated. Around 1.2 lakh small 5-kg LPG cylinders were also sold during the same two-day period. Since 3 April, public sector oil companies have organised more than 10,400 camps to raise awareness about these smaller cylinders, which are primarily used by migrant workers in urban areas.

On the commercial side, more than 15,900 metric tonnes — equivalent to over 8.37 lakh of 19-kg LPG cylinders — of commercial LPG was sold in the last two days. 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, finalises commercial LPG distribution plans across states and Union Territories.

PNG Connections and Infrastructure

About 6.31 lakh Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections have been activated, with infrastructure created for an additional 2.67 lakh connections, taking the total to 8.98 lakh connections. Furthermore, approximately 6.93 lakh customers have been registered for new PNG connections, signalling continued expansion of the gas distribution network.

Enforcement Actions Against Hoarding

Enforcement actions are continuing nationwide to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. More than 2,100 raids were conducted across the country on Tuesday alone. Public sector oil companies have imposed penalties on 366 LPG distributorships and suspended 75 LPG distributorships as of Tuesday, the government confirmed. Surprise inspections have been strengthened and are ongoing.

Petrol, Diesel Prices and Refinery Operations

Retail prices for petrol and diesel remain unchanged despite a global spike in oil prices, and adequate stocks of both fuels are available at all petrol pumps operated by Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL across the country. 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 Petroleum Ministry stated it is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Citizens have been advised to avoid panic-buying petrol, diesel, and LPG, and to rely on official sources for accurate information. LPG consumers are specifically requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors in person. The government's next supply update is expected to reflect whether the authentication-based delivery model continues to hold diversion in check.