Govt calls '35-day LPG refill rule' misinformation, urges no panic booking

The government on Wednesday dismissed reports claiming changes in LPG refill booking timelines, terming them “misinformation” and urging consumers not to resort to panic bookings.

Some media reports had claimed that the mandatory gap between delivery of one domestic LPG cylinder and booking the next had been increased to 35 days for double-cylinder connections.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said no such revisions have been made to the existing refill booking norms.

“It has come to the notice of the Government that certain news reports and social media posts are claiming revised LPG refill booking timelines—45 days for PMUY connections, 25 days for non-PMUY single bottle connections, and 35 days for non-PMUY double bottle connections,” the ministry said. “It is clarified that no such changes have been made.”

It said that consumers can continue to book refills after 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas, irrespective of connection type.

“Citizens are advised not to believe or circulate such misinformation and to avoid unnecessary or panic booking of LPG refills,” the ministry added.

The clarification comes amid concerns over fuel and gas availability triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to sporadic panic buying in some parts of the country.

At an inter-ministerial media briefing on Tuesday, officials said domestic LPG production from refineries has been ramped up compared to pre-crisis levels, even as supply chains have faced some impact due to the ongoing conflict.

The government, however, asserted there have been no reports of “dry-outs” at LPG distributorships and deliveries are continuing as normal.

“Panic bookings showed a marginal increase yesterday, while delivery of domestic LPG cylinders continues as normal,” the ministry said.

The government reiterated that adequate LPG stocks are available across the country and advised citizens not to believe or circulate unverified information.