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India is also looking for alternative options for LPG shipments and several countries have already approached the government to offer help.
India has increased LPG booking period to prevent hoarding. (PTI/Representational)
The Indian government has increased the LPG booking period from 21 days to 25 days to prevent hoarding and ensure a fair supply of cylinders amid the West Asia conflict, according to reports. The booking period refers to the minimum waiting time required between two bookings of a domestic cooking gas cylinder.
Government sources told news agency ANI that the LPG booking period was increased to 25 days to stop hoarding and black marketing. They said there were instances where people who had booked LPG cylinders earlier in 55 days had started doing so in 15 days.
The sources also informed that the government had ordered refineries to boost output as the war between the US-Israel and Iran continues in the Gulf. The refineries have been instructed to prioritise domestic LPG production over commercial connections.
India is also looking for alternative options for LPG shipments, and countries like Algeria, Australia, Canada and Norway have also approached the government to help with LPG supplies, sources told ANI.
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This came after government sources told CNN-News18 that India currently has crude oil to last for 25 days and is actively exploring alternative sources for importing crude oil, LPG and LNG to ensure energy security amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
Additionally, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas directed authorities to prioritise propane and butane supplies for domestic LPG consumption. Gas-based crematorium furnaces operated by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have been closed temporarily to prevent a shortage of cooking gas for households amid tightening supply.
As the war continues, the price of a 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinder has been increased by Rs 60, while the 19-kg commercial cylinder has become Rs 115 costlier, according to a notification by oil market companies on March 7. This marked the second increase in LPG prices in less than a year.
In recent years, India has diversified its energy sources to ensure both availability and affordability. Indian energy companies now have access to supplies that are not routed through the Strait of Hormuz, helping to mitigate any temporary disruption of oil shipments through the crucial waterway.
Oil prices surged to more than $119 a barrel on Monday, hitting levels not seen since mid-2022, as some major producers cut supplies and fears of prolonged shipping disruptions gripped the market due to the expanding war in West Asia.
March 09, 2026, 19:29 IST
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