In light of the ongoing developments in West Asia, the Union government has decided to double the daily supply of 5-kg free trade LPG (FTL) cylinders available for distribution to migrant labourers across states.
An official order from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas came after an assessment of average daily supply during March 2-3, 2026, exceeding the 20 per cent limit previously set in a March 21, 2026, communication.
In a letter to all Chief Secretaries, Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Ministry, emphasised that these cylinders will be distributed exclusively to migrant labourers in the respective states with the assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
The measure is intended to ensure enhanced access to cooking fuel for migrant workers during periods of high demand.
Mittal noted that the state government and its Food/Civil Supplies Departments will oversee the distribution process, ensuring that the additional cylinders reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently.
Meanwhile, speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital on the situation arising out of the conflict in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, on Tuesday said, “The Government of India vide letter dated 06.04.2026 has conveyed that daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on the average daily supply (Number of cylinders) to migrant labourers during 2nd-3rd March 2026 beyond the limit of 20% mentioned in letter dated 21.03.2026. These 5 Kg FTL cylinders will be at disposal of the State Government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).”
She informed that since 23 March, about 7.8 lakh 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders have been sold.
Sharma said PSU OMCs have organised around 1300 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL cylinders during the last four days, wherein more than 10,000 – 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold.
“On 06.04.2026, more than 1.06 Lakh 5 Kg FTL Cylinders were sold across the country against a daily average of 77000 in the month of February 2026,” she added.