India imposes 25-day LPG booking limit; refineries ordered to maximise output amid West Asia crisis
New Delhi: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a series of emergency directives late Monday to safeguard India’s fuel security, ordering a significant ramp-up in domestic LPG production as geopolitical hostilities in West Asia continue to strain global energy chains.
Under the new mandate, the Ministry has instructed oil refineries to maximise the output of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and channel all additional production toward domestic household use.
Household Protection and Anti-Hoarding Measures
To prevent panic buying and the emergence of black markets, the government has introduced a mandatory 25-day inter-booking period for domestic consumers. This policy restricts households from booking a refill until 25 days have passed since their previous order, a move officials say is necessary to ensure equitable distribution.
The Ministry emphasised that domestic consumers remain the administration's primary concern.
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Prioritising Essential Sectors
While household supply is the paramount objective, the Ministry has also established a hierarchy for non-domestic LPG. Supplies derived from imported stocks are being prioritised for critical institutions, including:
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
- Educational Institutions
- Other Essential Public Services
Oversight for Commercial Interests
To manage the impact on the broader commercial landscape, a specialised committee has been formed to evaluate the fuel needs of the hospitality and industrial sectors. This panel, composed of three Executive Directors from the state-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), will review representations from restaurants, hotels, and various industries to determine supply allocations.
The directive comes as the Bangalore Hotels Association warned of imminent closures due to the "sudden and total halt" in commercial supplies. Government officials stated that while the situation remains tight, the country maintains approximately 25 days of inventory and is aggressively sourcing crude and gas via routes that bypass the primary conflict zones.