LPG Gas Cylinder Rules Changed: Panic Erupts For Booking Cooking Gas After Refill Rule Revised To 25-Days

LPG gas cylinder booking rules have been changed, creating panic and chaos among Indian households. As per reports, long queues at LPG distribution centers and a rush to refill cooking gas cylinders have escalated despite government authorities assuring consumers about stable conditions in LPG. The reason behind such panic is the concern for an LPG shortage.

Gas Cylinder Booking New Rules:

The Union Ministry Of Petroleum & Natural Gas Announced to mandate a 25-day minimum gap rule between LPG gas cylinder booking to refill. Earlier, the gap to refill your cylinders was 21 days after the first purchase.

The main reason behind the new rule is to prevent panic buying, hoarding, and black marketing amid LPG cylinders supply crunch.

Panic Buying For LPG Cylinders?

As per reports, many cities were reportedly seeing panic buying over potential supply crisis. As per a PTI report, residents of Noida's Sector 63 had rushed to secure LPG refills. And a similar situation was reported in Vijayapura in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, an Hindustan Times report said that various locations in Delhi faced massive queues for refilling LPG. It cited a representative from Atul Enterprises in Janata Market near Jhandewalan Temple in central Delhi said the system is not generating booking slips due to the new 25-day rule.

Also, the report highlighted that some LPG outlets did not receive supply of the cylinders on Tuesday in the west Delhi.

In Tilak Nagar and Lajpat Nagar, situations were similar with residents seen waiting for hours to book cylinders through online method at gas distributor offices.

Apart from this, PTI reported that ong queues at cooking gas agency offices and at LPG dispensation centres for autos became a common sight in Kolkata and several other places in West Bengal on Wednesday. Petroleum Dealers' Association officials, however, said that petrol and diesel availability was normal at all filling stations across the state.

Gas Cylinder Shortage Crisis Or Not?

During a high-level meeting on March 10th, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "We have taken steps to ensure that 100% supply of CNG & PNG to domestic consumers is ensured and other industries continue to get 70-80% of their supplies, despite the war situation."

He added, "We are committed to ensure uninterrupted supply of affordable energy to our domestic consumers. There is no shortage for domestic consumers and no reason to panic."

Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL Advisory On LPG Cylinders Booking:

Indian Oil on March 10th said, in light of current geopolitical disruptions affecting global fuel supply, steps have been taken to enhance LPG production and prioritise its availability for domestic consumers and essential non-domestic sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

"Requests from other non-domestic sectors will be reviewed by a committee of Executive Directors from Oil Marketing Companies and prioritised based on merit, necessity, and product availability," it added.

LPG Prices Double In Black Market:

Many reports have also saying that LPG cylinders price have nearly doubled to Rs 2,000 in the unofficial sales market or simply called in black market.

LPG Prices In India:

14.2 Kg LPG Prices In India:

With effect from March 7, 2026, Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) has increased 14.2 kg LPG prices by Rs 60 across metro cities. This is the first hike since April 2025, when this LPG was raised by Rs 50.

Now, LPG price in Delhi is increased by Rs 913 per litre compared to the previous Rs 853. Meanwhile, LPG price in Kolkata increased to Rs 939 from Rs 879. The financial hub, Mumbai, will now sell 14.2KG LPG at Rs 912.5 per cylinder compared to the previous price of Rs 852.5. In Chennai, LPG price has surged to Rs 928.5 per cylinder as against Rs 868.5 per cylinder.

19KG LPG Prices In India:

The biggest hike was in 19Kg LPG cylinders by Rs 114.5 each in these cities. Accordingly, 19Kg LPG price in Delhi is at Rs 1,883 per cylinder, compared to previous price of Rs 1,768.5 per cylinder.

In Kolkata, LPG price stood at Rs 1,990 per cylinder from Rs 1,875.5 per cylinder. In Mumbai, 19Kg LPG is priced at Rs 1,835 per cylinder as against Rs 1,720.5 per cylinder.

Lastly, in Chennai, LPG price increased to Rs 2,043.5 per cylinder compared to Rs 1,929 per cylinder.