New Delhi: The Indian government has increased the minimum waiting period for domestic LPG cylinder bookings as a measure to manage growing demand during ongoing supply concerns linked to international tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.
In rural areas, the interval between LPG bookings has been raised from 25 days to 45 days, while in urban areas, it has been extended from 21 days to 25 days. The announcement was made by Hardeep Singh Puri in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
Puri clarified that these changes affect only the booking cycle, and the average delivery time of approximately 2.5 days remains unchanged. He emphasized that essential institutions, including hospitals and schools, will continue to receive uninterrupted LPG supplies.
The minister attributed the pressure on LPG availability to panic booking and hoarding at distributor and retailer levels, rather than an actual shortage of production or supply. Reports from the field indicate that demand spikes are driven by consumer fears amid the global energy crisis.
To prevent diversion and black marketing of cylinders, the government is expanding the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system to 90% of consumers from the current 50%. Under this system, cylinders are marked as delivered only after recipients confirm receipt via a one-time code sent to their registered mobile numbers.
In addition, commercial LPG supplies are set to resume, with oil marketing companies coordinating with state governments to supply 20% of average monthly commercial demand. Alternative fuels such as kerosene and fuel oil will also be supplied to reduce pressure on LPG distribution for households and industries.
Puri further highlighted that domestic LPG production has increased by 28% over the last five days to ensure adequate availability and to meet the current surge in demand.
This move aims to stabilize the supply chain while managing consumption responsibly during a period of heightened global energy uncertainty.