LPG Shortage Panic in India: PM Narendra Modi Slams Rumours, Government Announces Emergency Measures to Stabilise Supply

PM Narendra Modi Slams LPG Panic as Government Moves to Stabilise Supply

Amid growing concerns over the LPG shortage in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused certain groups of deliberately spreading panic about cooking gas availability. Speaking at the NXT Summit in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said rumours and misinformation were creating unnecessary anxiety among consumers during a challenging global energy situation.

“There is a lot of discussion about LPG these days. Some people are trying to create panic and pursue their own agenda,” Modi said, urging citizens not to believe rumours.

The government, meanwhile, has announced a series of emergency measures to ensure stable supplies and prevent disruptions across households and businesses.

Government Steps In to Address LPG Supply Crisis

As reports of shortages and long waiting periods emerged from several states, the Centre moved quickly to manage the LPG supply crisis.

Key steps announced include:

 Release of additional 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders to support businesses and restaurants.

 Allocation of 40,000 kilolitres of additional kerosene to states as an alternative cooking fuel.

 Increase in domestic LPG production from 25% to 28%.

 Instructions to state governments to identify priority beneficiaries for LPG distribution.

Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said India delivers nearly 50 lakh LPG cylinders every day, and no complete supply breakdown has been reported in the distribution network so far.

However, panic booking by consumers has caused a sudden spike in demand.

Global Energy Crisis Driving Supply Concerns

Experts say the LPG shortage in India is closely linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

India imports nearly 60% of its LPG, and about 90% of those imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The route has become increasingly unstable due to tensions involving Iran and the United States.

Disruptions have also been reported after drone attacks targeted energy infrastructure in the Gulf region, affecting production in Qatar—India’s largest LNG supplier.

Energy analysts warn that such disruptions can quickly ripple through global supply chains, affecting cooking gas availability in import-dependent countries like India.

Restaurants, Businesses and Households Feeling the Impact

The ripple effects of the LPG supply crisis are already being felt across multiple sectors.

Several restaurants and hotels in cities across India have reportedly:

 Reduced menu options

 Shifted to coal or wood-fired cooking

 Temporarily shut operations due to lack of LPG

Food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato have also seen a drop in orders as eateries scale down operations.

In some regions, waiting periods for LPG refills have stretched from the usual two to three days to nearly a week.

Authorities have also reported instances of black marketing, with domestic cylinders priced around ₹900 allegedly being sold for up to ₹1,800 in certain areas.

Demand for Electric Cooking Appliances Surges

As concerns over the LPG shortage in India grow, consumers are increasingly turning to alternative cooking options.

E-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart have reported an unprecedented surge in sales of induction cooktops and electric kitchen appliances.

According to industry data:

 Induction cooktop sales on Amazon have jumped nearly 30 times.

 Online retailers have reported fourfold increases in orders.

 Several models are already out of stock on quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit.

Electronics retailers say households are buying these appliances as backup cooking options amid supply uncertainties.

Government Urges Citizens to Avoid Panic

Officials have repeatedly reassured the public that India’s energy supply remains secure despite global disruptions.

The government has invoked provisions under the Essential Commodities Act to curb hoarding and illegal sales while increasing domestic production.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India is working with global partners to stabilise supply chains while also pushing for long-term energy self-reliance.

The current LPG shortage in India highlights how global geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions can directly affect daily life. While the government has taken steps to boost production and manage distribution, experts say public cooperation and avoiding panic buying will be key to stabilising the situation.

For now, authorities insist that supplies remain under control—but the situation continues to be closely monitored as the global energy crisis evolves.