The government has raised the minimum waiting period for booking a domestic LPG cylinder refill from 21 days to 25 days.
This move comes amid fears of panic buying caused by uncertainties in the Middle East, especially due to the Iran war.
Officials clarified that LPG supply in the country is sufficient, and the extension is a preventive step to manage inventory effectively.
Why the Change Was Needed
The government observed a 15-20% surge in demand as households rushed to refill cylinders, fearing a possible disruption in supply.
Normally, average households use 7–8 cylinders of 14.2 kg per year, which means they typically do not need a refill in less than six weeks.
The new 25-day booking interval is in line with this usual consumption pattern.
Fuel Prices and Oil Storage Capacity
Despite international crude oil rates crossing $100 per barrel, petrol and diesel prices will not be increased for now.
companies such as Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum are expected to absorb the extra costs temporarily.
The government also emphasized that India has adequate storage to handle potential disruptions:
Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): 5.33 million metric tonnes, covering about 9.5 days of crude oil demand.
Oil Marketing Company storage: 64.5 days of crude oil and petroleum products.
This brings the total national storage capacity to 74 days, providing a buffer in case of supply shocks caused by geopolitical conflicts, as confirmed by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi in the Rajya Sabha.
What This Means for Consumers
Households can continue to book LPG cylinders safely without rushing, knowing that supply is secure for now. The government’s measures are aimed at preventing panic buying while keeping fuel prices stable.
