LPG- Big Drop in LPG Cylinder Sales, Know Govts Plan

LPG Crisis: Big news for everyone. The rising tensions in West Asia and the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz have significantly affected India’s LPG supply. According to government data, there was an 11 percent drop in domestic cooking gas sales in April 2026. Additionally, sales of commercial cylinders fell by about 10 percent. It’s important to note that the conflict between Iran and America-Israel began in the last week of February. Following this, the government raised the prices of domestic LPG cylinders in the first week of March. Commercial LPG cylinder prices also saw a substantial increase.

What do the government figures indicate?

Data reveals that state-owned oil companies sold 1,982 thousand metric tons (TMT) of domestic LPG in April, a significant decrease from the 2,229 TMT sold in the same month last year. Sales of commercial cylinders dropped to 187 TMT, down from 208.5 TMT a year prior. This decline has particularly affected hotels, restaurants, offices, industrial canteens, malls, educational institutions, and hospitals, where commercial LPG is commonly utilized. The commercial LPG crisis has severely impacted industries, with LPG supply to the industrial sector plummeting by 82 percent in April to just 11.9 TMT.

However, state-owned oil companies increased supplies to LPG-powered vehicles by 86 percent, with auto LPG sales reaching 10.8 TMT in April. Supply limitations have compelled many industries to revert to alternatives like fuel oil and natural gas. Overall, nationwide LPG sales fell by 13% in April 2026, with North India experiencing the most significant impact, seeing a 17% decline.

Government assurances

In the midst of this crisis, the government has reassured the public that there is sufficient availability of all energy resources, including LPG, petrol, and diesel, in the country, urging citizens to refrain from panic buying. According to government officials, the supply of LPG in the country has been affected in view of the current geopolitical situation but the government is taking all possible steps to ensure the availability of LPG and petroleum products in the country.

He stated that gas distribution agencies and oil distribution companies across the country have sufficient stock. He added that online booking of LPG cylinders has reached 99 percent, and delivery has reached 96 percent thanks to the verification code system introduced to prevent black marketing. In the last three days, 13.4 million gas cylinders have been supplied. Furthermore, more than 58,000 PNG consumers have returned their LPG connections.