Punjab Newsline, National :
Amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia and rising concerns over LPG availability, oil marketing companies (OMCs) in India are reportedly exploring ways to manage supply more efficiently. One option under consideration is the distribution of slightly underfilled LPG cylinders to ensure wider availability of cooking gas across households.
However, officials from the petroleum ministry have dismissed claims that OMCs plan to supply only 10 kg of gas in standard 14.2 kg domestic cylinders, calling such reports “highly speculative.”
Sources within refining companies indicated that a proposal related to this idea has been submitted to the government, though no final decision has been made yet. An official from a state-run OMC stated that while the option is being examined, any implementation would depend entirely on government approval.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, also termed the reports as rumours and urged the public not to believe unverified information. She emphasized that there is no confirmed policy change at this stage.
According to Sharma, the situation around domestic LPG supply remains stable. Daily refill bookings have eased to around 50 lakh, and supply operations are continuing without disruption. She further noted that domestic refiners have stepped up LPG production, increasing the share of locally met demand to 50–60%, compared to about 40% earlier.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has impacted shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting oil and gas imports. In response, the government is prioritizing supplies for domestic consumers while reducing allocations to commercial sectors.
India currently imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirements. Recent data suggests a significant drop in incoming shipments, with no new cargo currently reported en route to Indian ports. Only a limited number of vessels crossed the Strait last week, carrying volumes sufficient for barely a day’s demand. Additionally, several LPG carriers bound for India are awaiting clearance in the Persian Gulf.