Govt warns LPG hoarders of action; urges users to switch to piped cooking gas
The Hindu
Government warns against LPG hoarding, urges households to switch to piped gas for uninterrupted supply amid crisis.
The government on Friday (March 13, 2026) said it is ensuring an uninterrupted supply of cooking gas to households amid a surge in panic bookings, and advised around 60 lakh households located near piped natural gas (PNG) networks to consider switching to piped connections for convenience.
It warned hoarders and black marketers of strict action if they try to exploit the crisis created by the war in West Asia.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, at a media briefing, said fears of a shortage have led to a spike in LPG cylinder bookings in recent days, even though supplies remain adequate across the country.
LPG and oil crisis updates on March 13, 2026
She maintained that LPG distributors have sufficient stocks and that supply chains are functioning normally. Consumers were urged to avoid panic booking or queuing up at LPG dealerships. They should place refill orders using online modes only when required.
While supplies to household kitchens, as well as essential sectors like hospitals and educational institutions, were prioritised and provided uninterrupted LPG, supplies to commercial establishments like hotels and restaurants were curtailed as the war in West Asia impacted energy sourcing from overseas.
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