Govt modifies LPG Booking Interval amid West Asia crisis

News Agencies 

New Delhi: The Union government has extended the minimum interval between two domestic LPG cylinder bookings to 25 days, up from the earlier 21-day limit, in a move aimed at regulating supply and preventing hoarding amid volatility in global energy markets.

Sources said the decision was taken by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas as a precautionary measure following escalating tensions in West Asia, which have raised concerns about potential disruptions in global energy supply chains.

Officials clarified that there is currently no shortage of LPG, petrol or diesel in the country. The government, however, decided to tighten distribution measures to ensure equitable access to cooking gas and to prevent black marketing during periods of uncertainty.

According to officials familiar with the development, the revised rule requires consumers to wait at least 25 days before booking their next LPG refill. Previously, the booking interval had been set at 21 days, a limit that had itself been increased only days earlier from 15 days.

Authorities said the change is intended to discourage panic buying and stockpiling of LPG cylinders by consumers or intermediaries, which could otherwise create artificial shortages in local markets.

“The step is purely preventive and aimed at maintaining orderly distribution,” sources said, adding that monitoring mechanisms are also being strengthened to check black marketing and hoarding.

The decision comes at a time when global oil and gas markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments in West Asia, a region that plays a critical role in the world’s energy supply.

Government officials reiterated that India’s fuel supply situation remains stable and that adequate stocks of LPG and other petroleum products are available across the country.

Consumers have been advised not to panic and to continue booking LPG refills as per their regular consumption needs, while authorities keep a close watch on market conditions and supply logistics.