Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 12: The Centre has extended the minimum booking gap for domestic LPG cylinders in both rural and urban areas as India responds to concerns over a potential gas supply crunch triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri informed the Lok Sabha that the minimum booking gap in rural areas has been increased to 45 days from the existing 25 days, while in urban areas it has been raised to 25 days from 21 days.

“A 25-day minimum booking gap has been introduced as a demand management measure in urban areas and 45 days in rural and durgam kshetra areas,” Puri said while addressing the House.

The move comes amid global energy disruptions following tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit corridor for oil and gas shipments.

Despite the changes in booking intervals, the minister clarified that the standard time for LPG delivery remains unchanged at about 2.5 days from booking, similar to pre-crisis norms.

Puri assured that hospitals and educational institutions have been placed under uninterrupted priority supply and their access to LPG will remain fully protected regardless of broader demand conditions.

He noted that reports from the field indicate hoarding and panic booking by consumers at distributor and retail levels, driven largely by anxiety rather than an actual shortage of supply.

According to the minister, the rush in bookings seen in some areas reflects demand distortion rather than any failure in production or supply.

To strengthen transparency, the government is also expanding the delivery authentication code system from 50 percent to 90 percent of consumers. Under this system, LPG cylinders are marked as delivered only after the consumer confirms receipt through a one-time code sent to their registered mobile number.

Addressing commercial LPG supply, Puri said distribution of commercial cylinders will begin immediately. Oil marketing companies will allocate 20 percent of the average monthly commercial LPG requirement in coordination with state governments to prevent hoarding and black marketing.

He added that alternative fuel options are also being activated to ease pressure on LPG supplies. Kerosene will be made available through retail outlets and the public distribution system, while fuel oil will be supplied to industrial and commercial consumers.

The minister further stated that domestic LPG supply remains protected and production has been increased by 28 percent over the past five days.