Good news for domestic LPG users: the Indian government has extended the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) booking period from 21 days to 25 days. This step comes amid rising concerns over hoarding and black-marketing of LPG cylinders, especially in the wake of ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Government sources told ANI that some customers had been manipulating booking timelines, with individuals who previously booked cylinders in 55 days now managing to book them in just 15 days. The new 25-day period is designed to ensure fair distribution and uninterrupted supply for households across India.
Along with extending the booking window, the government has instructed refineries to increase LPG production and prioritize domestic connections over commercial users. “Domestic consumers will always be a priority,” sources confirmed. To further strengthen supply, India is exploring new international LPG partnerships, with countries like Algeria, Australia, Canada, and Norway reportedly offering to sell LPG. This proactive approach is intended to safeguard domestic energy availability amid uncertainty in global markets.
The announcement also coincides with ongoing discussions among G7 countries regarding the release of strategic oil reserves. Despite global deliberations, India has decided not to release oil from its strategic reserves in coordination with the G7, adhering to an “India First” approach. Sources clarified that India has no plans to coordinate with the International Energy Agency (IEA) in this effort, prioritizing domestic energy security amid the geopolitical crisis.
The conflict in Iran, triggered by US-Israeli strikes, has pushed global oil prices above $119 per barrel. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a critical oil shipping route handling almost one-fifth of global oil supply—have intensified concerns about fuel availability. Countries such as Kuwait, the UAE, and Iraq have already begun reducing oil output as storage facilities fill up due to shipping disruptions. Analysts caution that even if G7 countries release strategic reserves, it would only offset around two to three weeks of normal supply flows, offering limited relief from rising global fuel costs.
In summary, India’s move to extend LPG booking and prioritize domestic users comes as a timely measure to protect households from the fallout of global energy disruptions. The government is ensuring that domestic consumers remain secure by increasing production and exploring new supply partnerships, even as oil prices surge amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. With the LPG booking period now extended to 25 days, households can plan cylinder bookings with more flexibility while the country maintains a strong stance on energy security.