Srinagar, April 4: The Government of India has intensified its crackdown on LPG hoarding and black marketing, conducting over 3,700 raids in the last 24 hours amid supply pressures triggered by the West Asia crisis and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Authorities have issued 1,000 show-cause notices and suspended 27 LPG distributorships as enforcement tightens nationwide.
The Centre reassured citizens of adequate availability of petrol, diesel and LPG, urging restraint against panic buying and reliance on official information. Supply chains remain stable with no reported dry-outs, while refineries operate at high capacity and domestic LPG production has been ramped up.
To manage demand, booking intervals have been extended, alternate fuels promoted, and priority allocation ensured for households, hospitals and essential services. Digital LPG bookings have surged to 95%, alongside stricter delivery authentication to curb diversion.
Commercial LPG supplies have been rationalised to 70% of pre-crisis levels, with over 5.7 lakh 5-kg cylinders distributed since March 23 to ease access. Simultaneously, PNG expansion and natural gas prioritisation are being accelerated to reduce dependence on LPG.
Retail fuel outlets continue normal operations, with the government absorbing price shocks through excise duty cuts, while imposing export levies to secure domestic supply. Additional kerosene allocations and coal distribution measures have also been activated.
Maritime operations remain stable with Indian vessels and seafarers safe, while evacuation, consular support, and travel facilitation for Indian nationals across the Gulf continue under close government coordination.
