New Delhi, India — March 23, 2026
The Indian government on Monday assured citizens that LPG and fuel supplies remain stable despite escalating tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing that there is no shortage of cooking gas or fuel across the country.
Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the situation is being closely monitored, while urging the public to avoid panic buying.
LPG Supply Under Control, No Shortage Reported
Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma stated that while LPG supply remains an area of concern due to geopolitical developments, distribution is currently normal and there is no shortage of supply vessels.
She noted that panic-driven LPG bookings have significantly declined in recent days, helping stabilize the system.
Key highlights:
- Domestic LPG cylinder supply remains normal nationwide
- No reports of supply disruptions from distributors
- Over 350,000 PNG connections issued in the first three weeks of March
- Refineries operating at high capacity with adequate crude reserves
PNG and CNG Supply Fully Secured
The government confirmed that 100% supply of domestic PNG and CNG for transport is being maintained to ensure uninterrupted services.
- Priority sectors are receiving fully protected supply
- Industrial and commercial users are receiving around 80% regulated supply
- Consumers in urban areas are being encouraged to switch from LPG to PNG
Major city gas companies such as IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas, and BPCL are actively promoting PNG adoption for commercial users.
Government Steps to Strengthen Supply
To further stabilize the situation, the government has:
- Restored 20% commercial LPG supply
- Proposed an additional 10% allocation for states improving PNG infrastructure
- Urged faster approvals for city gas distribution (CGD) networks
- Directed ministries to fast-track pending infrastructure clearances
States like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have already submitted proposals for CGD expansion, which are under review.
Maritime Safety and Fuel Logistics
Ensuring safe shipping routes remains a key priority amid regional tensions.
Officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed:
- 13 ships returned safely in the last 24 hours
- 34 ships returned over 48 hours
- 24/7 DG Shipping communication centers handled 60 calls and 129 emails in a day
Continuous coordination is underway with shipowners, agencies, and Indian missions abroad to ensure smooth maritime operations.
India Engages Diplomatically
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Iran’s leadership, condemning attacks on critical infrastructure and emphasizing the need to maintain safe and open shipping routes.
Officials reiterated that disruptions in global supply chains remain a concern, but India is actively working with international partners to ensure stability.
Advisory: Avoid Panic Buying
With adequate stocks of LPG, petrol, and diesel available, the government has urged citizens not to engage in panic buying or hoarding.
Authorities warned that misinformation and speculation could lead to unnecessary disruptions and emphasized strict monitoring to prevent black marketing.
Situation Under Close Watch
The government confirmed that it is continuously monitoring geopolitical developments and coordinating across ministries to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential fuels.
Officials stressed that India is well-prepared to handle short-term disruptions while strengthening long-term energy resilience.
