Gas Cylinder Booking Rules: How To Avoid LPG Scams For Indane Gas, Bharat Gas. HP Gas? Latest Advisory For LPG

With new rules and regulations for LPG gas cylinders and PNG after the West Asia war, the supply crunch led to a rise in fraudulent practices and scammers would scare household citizens through various schemes. The latest data of the Oil Ministry showed that over 1.28 lakh raids have been conducted for tightening the bolt on black marketing; as many as 59,000 LPG cylinders are seized across the country since March 2026. But there are certain scams that take place through mobile messages.

Here are some of the potential scamming schemes that fraudsters are using to fraud citizens. Beware of them!

1. You receive a message of your LPG booking with a link to track your delivery status. The latest fraud link is http://gas-track-now.in.

2. Some scammers send messages conveying that your LPG refill payment is pending and you must pay immediately to avoid cancellation. For instance, links like http://lpg-secure-pay.in could be sent to make a payment, which is not a real link.

3. Apart from this, messages like install LPG support app to confirm your booking. LPG_Update.apk.

4. Also, messages like "your gas connection would be blocked today, is a clear indication to send panic among customers and push them for a rash decision. The scammers usually send links like http://lpg-verify.in, asking you to open the link and verify yourself.

As per Kotak Mahindra Bank's blog, here's what happens when you open either of these fraudulent links:

The links open to an official-looking webpage. Customers are then often redirected to payment pages, fake KYC links or asked to install an "official" gas App (APK) to resolve the issue. Clicking these links or installing such Apps gives the fraudster access to the phone, including SMS and OTPs.

Not just that, customers are prompted to share an OTP or make a quick payment, which is used to authorise fraudulent transactions. Also, unauthorized bank/UPI transactions are carried out, resulting in significant financial loss within minutes.

Last month, largest oil marketing company, Indian Oil warned customers about unauthorized individuals who are luring LPG customers for new connections and seeking money from them.

Indian Oil said, "We have been made aware of instances where unauthorized individuals are approaching prospective LPG customers and seeking money for new connections and related services. We urge customers to remain vigilant, verify information through official channels, and make payments only through authorized platforms."

How To Protect Yourself From LPG Scams Related To Indane, Bharat Gas, HP Gas?

Here are some tips to stay safe, as per Kotak Bank's blog:

1. Do not click on gas payment/disconnection or KYC links received via SMS/social media apps from unknown sender, verify the source

2. Never download apps or APK files sent through messages or calls

3. Do not share OTPs, UPI PINs, card details, or passwords

4. Verify gas bills or KYC only through official websites, apps, or customer care numbers.

Gas Cylinder Booking Rules:

In the month of July 2026, the biggest change in Indane Gas, Bharat Gas and HP Gas is the price cut in commercial 19 Kg LPG cylinders and 5 Kg FTL LPG gas. However, certain rules were kept unchanged and those are 30-day, 25-days and 45-day rules for LPG connections and refilling. These days are pivotal for both LPG and PNG household customers.

The 25-day rule applies for refilling of LPG cylinders. However, the criterion is that only customers residing in the urban areas of India are eligible for a 25-day booking interval for their second LPG from the date of the first booking.

While the 45-day rule is the second major LPG refilling rule and only customers in rural areas of the country.

Lastly, the 30-day rule is the latest rule announced by the government in late May. The Centre revised its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Amendment Order, 2026, making it mandatory for LPG customers to terminate their Indane, Bharat Gas and HP Gas connections within 30 days from getting their PNG connections.

Since customers are asked to terminate their LPG connection within 30 days of getting PNG, the government has announced a provision that allows these customers to restore their LPG connection.

The new rule guides customers to obtain a transfer voucher that can be used in future for restoring LPG connection when shifting to a non-PNG area.

Latest Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness For LPG Cylinders

Oil Ministry continues to advise citizens to do the following:

1. ·Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG and rely only on official sources for information.

2. Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information.

3. LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.

4. Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops.

5. All citizens are urged to conserve energy during their daily usage in the current situation.

Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has ensured that 100% supply is being made to Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG and CNG, the ministry said.