Queues for LPG Cylinders in Cities, Government Takes 5 Major Decisions Amid Energy Crisis
Middle East war disrupts oil-gas supply via Hormuz Strait, panic LPG bookings reach 8.8 million, government changes LPG rules and increases domestic production.
New Dilli: Due to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply. The conflict has disrupted the movement of oil and gas tankers through the Hormuz Strait, creating a global energy crisis. In India, this situation has led to a surge in demand for LPG cylinders, with long queues being seen in several cities.
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According to reports, fears of disruption in global LPG supply have triggered panic booking across the country. The number of LPG cylinder bookings has reached nearly 8.8 million. However, the government has assured citizens that there will be sufficient supply of cooking gas for both domestic and commercial users.
Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, stated that the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply.
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Government’s 5 Major Decisions:
1. LPG Connection Must Be Surrendered If PNG Is Available
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a new rule stating that households with PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections cannot keep domestic LPG cylinders simultaneously. Such customers must surrender their LPG connection immediately. Oil companies and distributors will not refill LPG cylinders for households that already have PNG connections.
2. Raids to Stop LPG Black Marketing
To prevent hoarding and black marketing, authorities have begun surprise inspections in several states. The government is also ensuring direct supply of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders to large industrial consumers so that industries continue to function smoothly.
3. Increase in Domestic LPG Production
Considering the Middle East tensions, the government has instructed oil and gas companies to increase domestic LPG production. According to the ministry, production has been increased by nearly 31 percent to reduce dependency on imports and stabilize supply.
4. New Timeline for LPG Cylinder Booking
The government has also revised LPG booking rules to prevent stockpiling. Earlier, customers could book a new cylinder after 21 days, but the minimum waiting period has now been increased to 25 days.
5. LPG Cylinder Prices Increased
Amid the crisis, oil companies announced a price hike on March 7. Indian Oil Corporation increased the price of domestic LPG cylinders by ₹60 and commercial cylinders by ₹115.
New Prices of 14.2-kg Domestic LPG Cylinders:
Delhi – ₹913
Kolkata – ₹939
Chennai – ₹928.50
Prices of 19-kg Commercial Cylinders:
Delhi – ₹1883
Mumbai – ₹1835
The government has reiterated that despite rising global tensions, adequate LPG supply will be maintained across the country.
