India has increased the distribution of smaller 5-kg LPG cylinders and sped up the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG) connections as it works to stabilise fuel supply amid disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Since March 23, over 13 lakh free trade 5-kg LPG cylinders have been sold, with daily sales crossing 1 lakh units. The move is aimed at improving access for migrant workers and low-income households, according to an official statement.
Alongside this, more than 4.24 lakh new PNG connections have been activated since March, while over 30,000 users have voluntarily given up LPG connections as they shift to piped gas.
The six-week conflict in West Asia has disrupted global energy flows, affecting India’s dependence on imports from the region, which supplies around half of its crude oil, 40% of its gas, and nearly 85–90% of its LPG requirements.
While crude oil shortages have largely been managed through alternative import sources, LPG supply remains under pressure.
In response, the government has prioritised domestic household LPG supply, while reducing allocations for commercial users such as hotels and restaurants. To bridge the gap, market-priced 5-kg cylinders are being supplied in higher volumes.
Daily sales of these smaller cylinders have now exceeded 1 lakh in recent weeks, compared to around 77,000 units before the crisis in February.
Authorities said overall domestic LPG availability remains stable, with no reported shortages, and over 52 lakh cylinders delivered on April 11 alone.
Online bookings now account for nearly 98% of demand, while digital authentication systems cover about 93% of deliveries to prevent misuse and diversion.
Commercial LPG supply has recovered to around 70% of pre-crisis levels, supported by targeted distribution and coordinated efforts by state-run oil companies including Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL.
At the same time, natural gas allocation has been prioritised for households and CNG transport, while supplies to fertiliser plants have been increased to about 95% of normal consumption through additional LNG imports.
City gas distributors such as IGL, MGL, and GAIL Gas have been instructed to expand PNG connections, especially for commercial users, as part of a broader shift away from LPG dependence.
Meanwhile, refineries continue to operate at high capacity with sufficient crude stocks. The government has also reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre and increased export duties on diesel and aviation fuel to ensure domestic supply stability.
