New Delhi, March,12,2026 : Reports of an LPG cylinder shortage are emerging from several Indian cities as supply disruptions linked to global energy tensions begin affecting households, businesses and industries. The government has stated that fuel supplies remain stable but acknowledged pressure on the LPG supply chain.
The LPG cylinder shortage is being felt across multiple sectors, including restaurants, bakeries, schools and industrial units. Authorities have urged consumers not to panic book cylinders and assured that production and imports are being increased to stabilise supply.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told Parliament that LPG production in the country has been increased by 28 percent as the government works to manage supply pressures during the current global energy disruption.
Officials said India imports around 60 percent of its LPG requirements and a significant portion of these supplies passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a region affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions. The government said it is trying to import LPG from multiple sources to maintain household supply.
Petroleum Ministry spokesperson Sujata Sharma said domestic consumers should not attempt to book cylinders earlier than the permitted cycle. According to the ministry, urban households can book a refill after 25 days while rural consumers can book after 45 days.
Despite government assurances, several cities have reported operational difficulties due to commercial LPG shortages. In Mumbai, bakery owners say many units have halted production because they are unable to procure cylinders required to run ovens.
Food delivery platforms have also reported a decline in orders as restaurants and cloud kitchens scale down operations due to limited LPG availability. Workers from gig platforms say daily deliveries have dropped sharply in recent days.
In Delhi, a private school warned parents that it may be unable to provide lunch to students next week because its catering vendor is struggling to obtain commercial LPG cylinders. The notice said existing gas stocks may last only a few more days.
Industrial operations are also facing concerns. Officials at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant said LPG stocks used for technical processes may last only around ten days unless supplies improve.
Meanwhile, government sources maintain that there is no nationwide fuel shortage and that supply chains are functioning normally. Authorities have also increased monitoring to prevent hoarding, black marketing and the spread of misinformation related to LPG availability.
The government said refineries have been directed to increase output and additional imports are being arranged to ensure stable LPG distribution across the country.

