Government Urges PNG Adoption and Cracks Down on LPG Hoarding Amid West Asia Tensions
In response to escalating tensions in West Asia, the Centre has intensified efforts to manage domestic energy supplies, urging households to transition to piped natural gas (PNG) and issuing stern warnings against hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders. This move comes as panic booking has led to a significant surge in demand, raising concerns over supply stability.
Surge in LPG Bookings Amid Panic Buying
Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas revealed at an inter-ministerial briefing that daily LPG bookings have skyrocketed from an average of 50-55 lakh to nearly 75-76 lakh. Petroleum Ministry Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma attributed this spike to widespread panic buying triggered by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Despite the increased demand, Sharma assured that supplies remain stable, with around 50 lakh cylinders being delivered daily, and no distributor among the country's 25,000 LPG outlets has reported stock depletion.
Push for PNG Transition to Ease Pressure
To alleviate pressure on LPG supplies, the government is actively promoting a shift to piped natural gas. Sharma highlighted that approximately 1.5 crore households currently use PNG, with an additional 60 lakh homes located near pipeline networks capable of easily switching. Consumers in major cities experiencing difficulties in obtaining LPG cylinders are advised to contact their local city gas distribution networks for PNG connections. The government is facilitating this transition through meetings with gas distributors and entities like GAIL.
Strict Action Against Hoarding and Black Marketing
Simultaneously, authorities have ramped up enforcement against illegal stockpiling of LPG cylinders. A joint meeting between the Petroleum Ministry and the Department of Consumer Affairs directed state officials to crack down on hoarding and black marketing. Enforcement actions have already been carried out in several states, including Jhansi, where police recovered a truckload of stolen cylinders, and Hapur, where a distributor's godown was sealed for illegal storage. Similar raids were conducted in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, with inspection teams from public sector oil marketing companies conducting surprise checks.
Digital Booking Systems Encouraged
The government has urged consumers to avoid queuing at distributors and instead utilize digital booking systems, which now account for about 83% of bookings. Methods such as IVRS, SMS, WhatsApp, and mobile apps are being promoted to streamline the process and reduce physical crowding. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and ensure equitable distribution amid the heightened demand.
While concerns persist due to potential disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, officials maintain that domestic LPG consumers are being prioritized, and the overall supply chain remains robust. The Centre's dual strategy of promoting PNG adoption and enforcing strict measures against hoarding seeks to safeguard energy security and prevent market manipulation during this period of geopolitical uncertainty.
