Sale of 5 kg LPG cylinders touches 14.3 lakh, PNG connections rise to 4.4 lakh

The supply of domestic LPG across India remains stable with the sale of 5 kg cylinders witnessing a sharp rise particularly among migrant workers According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas over 11 lakh small LPG cylinders were sold on Monday alone taking the cumulative total to 143 lakh since March 23 reported IANSThe increase reflects a significant surge in demand for smaller cylinders which are widely used by migrant labourers for cooking purposesSurge in demand for 5 kg LPG cylindersOfficials noted that the daily average sale of 5 kg cylinders has risen considerably from around 77000 in February to approximately 11 lakh currently The spike comes amid changing consumption patterns and increased reliance on portable cooking solutions reported IANSThe government maintained that supply chains remain intact despite global uncertainties ensuring uninterrupted access to LPG for households across the country reported IANSDigital bookings and delivery authentication on the riseThe ministry highlighted a major shift towards digital platforms with nearly 98 per cent of LPG bookings now being made online across the industry reported IANSAdditionally around 92 per cent of deliveries are being completed using Delivery Authentication Codes DAC sent to consumersrsquo registered mobile numbers This system has been implemented to curb leakages and prevent diversion of cylinders at the distributor level reported IANSPNG connections expand significantlyThe expansion of Piped Natural Gas PNG infrastructure has also gained momentum Since March 2026 approximately 44 lakh PNG connections have been activated while nearly 488 lakh new customers have registered for connections reported IANSIn a notable trend over 33000 consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG connections through the MYPNGDin portal indicating a shift towards cleaner and more convenient fuel alternativesCommercial LPG sales and supply coordinationThe supply of commercial LPG has also remained robust The equivalent of over 45 lakh 19 kg cylinders was sold on Monday taking the total to more than 6928 lakh since March 14 reported IANSTo streamline distribution a threemember committee comprising executive directors from Indian Oil Corporation Limited Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is coordinating with state authorities and industry stakeholders reported IANSCrackdown on hoarding and black marketingAs part of ongoing enforcement measures public sector oil companies have intensified inspections across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPGAuthorities have imposed penalties on 232 LPG distributorships while 56 distributorships have been suspended so far The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair distribution and preventing misuse of subsidised fuel reported IANSGovernment assures adequate fuel stocksOfficials confirmed that all refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude inventories and adequate stocks of petrol diesel and LPG available nationwide reported IANSDomestic LPG production has been ramped up to meet rising demand particularly for essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutionsThe government has urged citizens to avoid panic buying or unnecessary bookings advising consumers to rely on official information and use digital platforms for LPG services It also announced that the enhanced commercial LPG usage limit set at 70 per cent of preMarch 2026 consumption will be extended to key industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals agriculture steel and manufacturingWith inputs from IANS