Delhi bans LPG cylinder sales from godowns, ramps up 5-kg supply; how to get one

The Delhi government has banned the sale of LPG cylinders from godowns to make the distribution system more transparent and efficient, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) announced on Sunday.

The city government has also stepped up the availability of small 5-kg cylinders to ease consumer access.

In a post on X in Hindi, the CMO said all LPG distributors have been directed not to sell cylinders directly from warehouses, warning that strict action will be taken against violations.

“To make the LPG distribution system in Delhi more transparent and efficient, the government has imposed a complete ban on the sale of cylinders from godowns,” the CMO said, urging citizens to rely on the established delivery mechanism and avoid rumours.

How to get 5-kg LPG cylinder

The government has also increased the availability of 5-kg LPG cylinders, which can now be purchased over the counter from authorised distributors on showing a valid identity proof, without the need for address verification.

“To provide special assistance to migrant workers, 11 dedicated help desks have also been set up at selected HPCL outlets, where they are being given information about nearby LPG distributors,” the CMO added.

Meanwhile, the Centre said supply of 5-kg free trade LPG (FTL) cylinders has been ramped up to meet rising demand. About 6.6 lakh such cylinders have been sold since March 23, with over 90,000 units sold on April 4 alone, according to the oil ministry.

Unlike subsidised 14.2-kg domestic LPG cylinders, 5-kg FTL cylinders are priced at market rates and can be purchased without address proof.

The ministry said there were no reports of shortages at distributor points, with over 51 lakh domestic cylinders delivered in a day. Online bookings accounted for 95% of total demand.

Authorities have also intensified action against hoarding and black marketing, seizing more than 50,000 cylinders since March, the ministry said in a daily update.

Over 1,400 show-cause notices have been issued to LPG distributors, and 36 dealerships have been suspended so far.

The government said it is prioritising supplies of domestic LPG and piped natural gas (PNG) for households and essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions. Commercial LPG supplies have been capped at 70% of pre-crisis levels, while refinery output has been increased.

On natural gas, the government said full supplies are being maintained for households and transport, while supplies to fertiliser plants are set to rise to about 90% of average consumption from April 6, supported by incoming LNG cargoes.

All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and petrol pumps across the country remain fully stocked, the ministry said, reiterating its appeal to avoid panic buying and rely on official information.