LPG refill bookings dropped to 77 lakh from 88.8 lakh, indicating less panic buying. The government assures no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG.
The number of LPG refill bookings has dropped to around 77 lakh, down from 88.8 lakh earlier, indicating an ease in panic buying. The government has said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or cooking gas, and that fuel supplies across the country remain stable despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
In its daily update on the situation, the government said oil marketing companies have not reported any shortages at petrol pumps or LPG distributorships. Authorities added that all domestic refineries are operating at high capacity and have adequate crude oil inventories. India also remains self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production, meaning imports are not required to meet domestic demand.
Officials said the decline in LPG bookings was recorded on Saturday, when about 77 lakh cylinders were booked, compared with 88.8 lakh bookings on March 13, 2026. At the same time, the share of online LPG bookings has increased from 84 per cent to about 87 per cent. The rise has been linked to campaigns by oil marketing companies encouraging customers to book cylinders digitally instead of visiting LPG dealerships for panic purchases.
The government said it continues to prioritise uninterrupted LPG supply for households and essential sectors, including hospitals and educational institutions.
Several states and union territories — such as Bihar, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan — have also issued orders for the allocation of non-domestic LPG in line with government guidelines.
Authorities have stepped up monitoring to prevent hoarding and black marketing of petrol, diesel and LPG. Raids are being carried out in states including Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, while officials from public sector oil marketing companies are conducting surprise inspections at LPG distributorships to ensure smooth supply.
The government has urged citizens not to engage in panic buying, stating that sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are available across the country.
Priority sectors continue to receive protected natural gas supply, with 100 per cent supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) being maintained. Gas supply to industrial and commercial users has been regulated at around 80 per cent.
To ensure availability, commercial LPG cylinders have been placed at the disposal of state governments for priority distribution and are now available in 30 states and union territories.
The government has also amended the LPG Control Order, requiring consumers with PNG connections to surrender their domestic LPG connections. Officials said domestic LPG production at refineries has been maximised, while booking intervals have been rationalised to ensure fair distribution.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and assisting Indian nationals in the region through round-the-clock helplines at Indian missions. Since February 28, around 1.94 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region.
