No LPG Shortage: Government Urges Citizens Not to Panic Buy Cooking Gas

No LPG Shortage: Government Urges Citizens Not to Panic Buy Cooking Gas

Strict Action Will Be Taken Against Those Attempting To Exploit The Situation

CNB World Times

New Delhi, 14^th March, 26: Amid growing concerns caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Government of India has launched an awareness campaign urging citizens not to panic-buy Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Authorities clarified that there is no shortage of cooking gas in the country and advised people to avoid storing extra cylinders at home.

In recent days, rumors circulating on social media about a possible fuel shortage have created panic among consumers. As a result, many people have started purchasing LPG cylinders in large numbers. Officials say this unnecessary stocking is disrupting the normal supply chain and making it difficult to ensure timely delivery to all households.

To address the issue, the government has begun sending awareness messages to mobile phones across the country. One such message states that “claims about fuel shortages are misleading and baseless”, and that adequate fuel is available nationwide. Citizens have been reassured that there is no reason for concern and that using fuel responsibly will help maintain smooth supply.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, confirmed that the country has sufficient crude oil reserves and that the supply of LPG for domestic use remains normal. She appealed to people not to rush to distributors or stand in long queues for cylinders.

Officials have also encouraged consumers to book LPG cylinders online, assuring that cylinders will be delivered to customers’ homes within the scheduled time after booking. According to government data, LPG bookings have increased significantly in March. While bookings stood at around 71 percent in February, they rose to 83 percent in March. To meet the growing demand, domestic LPG production has been increased by about 30 percent.

The government also clarified that domestic piped natural gas (PNG) supply to households continues normally. Although the closure of the Hormuz shipping route due to the Middle East conflict has affected some international oil supply chains, authorities insist that this has not created any shortage of LPG cylinders within the country.

Meanwhile, several political leaders have raised concerns over reports of LPG shortages and black-marketing in some regions. According to media reports, enforcement agencies in some states have seized illegally stored cylinders and taken action against those involved in hoarding and black-marketing.

Police have also cracked down on theft and illegal storage of LPG cylinders. In one such operation in Jhansi, police recovered 524 stolen cylinders worth over ₹17 lakh and arrested seven individuals. Authorities said strict action will be taken against those attempting to exploit the situation.

The government has once again appealed to citizens not to believe rumors and to rely only on official information. Consumers are advised to use LPG wisely and book cylinders through authorized channels to ensure uninterrupted supply for everyone.