Why you may soon get less LPG in the same cylinder

Domestic LPG consumers may get just 10 kg gas in the standard 14.2-kg household cylinders as the state-run oil marketing companies look for ways to stretch supplies amid disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by The Economic Times.

The plan to supply about 10 kg of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in standard household cylinders will allow available volumes to be shared across more consumers during the crunch.

Under the plan, cylinders would carry a revised label indicating the lower fill and the prices would be slashed proportionately.

However, the move would require recalibration at bottling plants and may need regulatory approvals, the report said.

India, which imports around 60% of its LPG requirement, has been facing supply pressures after disruptions in shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

With limited cargo movement and several India-bound tankers waiting in the Persian Gulf region, supply conditions could worsen in the coming weeks.

According to official estimates, domestic consumption accounts for over 86% of India’s daily LPG use of about 93,500 tonnes.

The government has repeatedly asserted that domestic LPG deliveries remain normal and there are no reports of shortages at distributorships, despite acknowledging the fact that supplies remain a concern due to the geopolitical situation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said “no dry-outs” have been reported and deliveries are being carried out regularly, urging consumers to avoid panic bookings.

The government has taken multiple steps to manage the situation, including maximising domestic LPG production from refineries, prioritising household supply, and partially restoring commercial LPG allocations.

On Saturday, the government announced a 20% increased allocation to key sectors such as restaurants, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing units, community kitchens and subsidised food outlets.

The additional allocation will be subject to commercial establishments registering with oil companies and applying for a piped natural gas connection, according to a letter written by the oil secretary to states.