New Delhi, India — April 3, 2026
India is facing a growing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage, prompting petroleum companies to introduce a strict “first come, first served” distribution system to manage limited supplies.
Under the new policy, consumers will receive LPG cylinders only after previously booked orders are fulfilled. Immediate delivery services have been suspended, marking a major shift in how households access cooking fuel.
FIFO System Now Mandatory for LPG Distribution
According to new guidelines issued during a virtual meeting by petroleum companies, gas agencies must follow a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system. Earlier bookings will be prioritized, and new requests will be processed in sequence.
Agencies are also required to display a date-wise list of pending and completed deliveries at their counters. This move is aimed at improving transparency and preventing confusion among customers.
To reduce the risk of black marketing, agencies are now allowed to maintain a maximum stock of only one-and-a-half days.
Instant Delivery Suspended, Prices Increased
The option for immediate LPG cylinder delivery has been discontinued. Consumers can still place bookings, but deliveries will strictly follow the FIFO queue.
In addition, petroleum companies have increased the price of commercial LPG cylinders by ₹218, adding financial pressure on businesses and bulk users.
Diesel Sales for Farmers to Be Monitored
Authorities have also introduced stricter monitoring of diesel sales, particularly for farmers purchasing fuel in large quantities for harvesting activities.
Petrol pumps are now required to record buyer details, including name, address, and phone number, before selling bulk diesel. Any cases of fuel hoarding will result in regulatory action.
District officials have also directed that LPG cylinder deliveries must be completed at consumers’ homes using OTP verification to prevent overcrowding at distribution centers.
Schools Face Disruptions Due to LPG Shortage
The LPG shortage is affecting essential services, especially in schools where meal preparation has been disrupted.
Several government-run and residential schools are struggling to cook meals due to delays in cylinder supply. In some cases, kitchen staff have been forced to use traditional cooking methods.
According to official data, thousands of schools operating under the national school meal program are impacted. Most prepare meals on-site, while others depend on external suppliers.
School administrators and partner organizations have reported delays in LPG delivery, which is affecting food preparation and student nutrition.
Education authorities have requested urgent intervention to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply to schools and related institutions.
Supply Concerns Continue
The new measures reflect increasing concerns about LPG availability and distribution efficiency. While authorities aim to ensure fair supply and prevent misuse, the changes are expected to cause short-term inconvenience for households and institutions.
