Rural LPG Cylinder Booking Extended to 45 Days: Government Tackles Shortage Amid Iran War Crisis

MP gas crisis, Hardeep Singh Puri LPG, commercial LPG shortage

The Indian government has extended the rural LPG cylinder booking period to 45 days to manage supply amid the ongoing LPG shortage triggered by the America-Israel-Iran war. This move aims to prevent hoarding and panic buying, as rural families typically use just five cylinders a year. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed the decision in Parliament, highlighting efforts to stabilize distribution.

Booking Rules Changed Thrice in Six Days

LPG booking norms have shifted rapidly due to surging demand from rumors of shortages.

• March 6: Domestic lock-in set at 21 days, introducing the rule for the first time.
  
  

• March 9: Urban areas extended to 25 days amid demand spike.
  
  

• March 12: Rural areas jumped from 20 to 45 days for better supply control.
  
  

People shifted from 55-day averages to 15-day bookings, straining the system, the ministry noted.

Madhya Pradesh Faces Severe Disruptions

In Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal and Indore, online LPG booking is stalled due to server issues, pushing waiting times to 7-8 days. Long queues plague gas agencies, while induction cooker sales have surged sevenfold and prices doubled in Bhopal. Over 50,000 hotels and restaurants risk running out, with no commercial cylinders for four days, said Bhopal Hotel Association President Tejkul Pal Singh Pali.

State-Wise Crisis Reports

The LPG shortage India is biting hard across states amid Iran war LPG crisis impacts.economictimes+1

Food delivery orders on Zomato/Swiggy dropped 50-60%, hurting gig workers.

Government Steps and Supply Measures

Authorities distributed 50 lakh cylinders daily, with domestic production up 28%. Key actions include:

• High-level committee for supply review.
  
  

• Essential Commodities Act enforced.
  
  

• OTP/biometric mandatory for deliveries.
  
  

• Urban booking locked at 25 days; biomass/kerel approved for eateries.
  
  

India imports 60% LPG via Strait of Hormuz, now risky, plus Qatar LNG halt from drone attacks. Domestic prices rose ₹60 per cylinder.

Induction Boom and Price Hike

Induction cooktop sales exploded: 1.34 lakh in one day on Amazon, 5 lakh in four days total. Yet, 70% sellers out of stock.

This rural LPG cylinder booking change matters now as war disrupts 90% Gulf imports, urging calm to avoid hoarding. Consumers should book only when needed for equitable supply.